Red Backs remain unbeaten

Batting first, last year’s top four cricket winners the Arorangi Red Backs took on last season’s round robin winners Muri in what most expected to be the battle of the weekend.

Arorangi’s opening batter Daniel Webb provided the stability for his team as he batted out the innings scoring 55 not out to take the Arorangi total through to a modest 170.

Muri’s batting line-up would have backed themselves to achieve that total with many of their batters in great recent form.

However, superb bowling from Webb made the task impossible for Muri as he collected seven wickets for 13 runs including a hat-trick to see Muri all out for 83.

The win means going into round five Arorangi are unbeaten and at the top of the Computer Man table.

Matavera’s run of unbeaten matches ended in Matavera against a strong Turangi side led by Vane Tangimetua who scored 100 runs to take the teams total to the highest recorded for the season – 218 runs.

Not even a great bowling spell from Moni Uini (3 wickets for 21 runs) could restrict the free scoring Turangi side.

Matavera, renowned for their strong batting line up of hitters, came undone despite a good opening stand of 33 between Koria Patia and Willy Tommy.

Once departed the Matavera batting side could only manage another 23 runs between them succumbing at 56 all out.

ANZ Avatiu-Nikao’s improved form continued into round four by beating the strong Tupapa side by eight wickets.

Dean Head led the way by taking four wickets for 15 runs.

Davana All-Stars beat Turamatuitui Tupapa by 28 runs to take them to fifth on the Computer Man table while Takuvaine beat the Titikaveka Titans, collecting their first points for the season.