2010 Game 3: Napier Tech OB

The NZ economy has been plunged into deep recession by news that the touring Reds have had their first win.

Playing at beautiful palm-lined Nelson Park on a belter of a track, Reds found themselves asked to bat against an NTOB line-up consisting mostly of theirThirds grand final side of the previous week, reinforced by two Seconds opening batsmen.  Kahn and Hobbs got the Reds away to a solid opening stand of 51, Kahn cutting compulsively and Hobbs batting with uncharacteristic care.  Hobbs fell in the 22^nd over, and Gill upped the tempo, adding  47 with Kahn in the next ten overs. Booth, Cooper and Boyes chipped in with handy contributions. as Reds came home at 5-an-over in the last 16 overs.  Boyes and Lovett made sure the innings went the distance, adding an invaluable 19 in the last three overs.

In reply, the NTOB  top order was ripped apart by Dave Cooper who accounted for the first three batsmen. Ninja legspinner Geoff Boyes then took the key wicket of ace all-rounder Rangi, well caught by Steve Booth who held a towering catch at deep mid-wicket fighting  the sun. Boyes  snagged another three wickets and off-spinner Thomas mopped up the last two as  Reds made no mistake finishing off the innings to claim their first win of the tour.