Jake Jonas after his record breaking 164 against Whanganui Collegiate. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
CRICKET
CHRIS COGDALE
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Wairarapa senior representative Jake Jonas set a new record with a brilliant century as Rathkeale College retained the Didsbury-Tatham Cup with dominant draw over Whanganui Collegiate in a three-day game played over the Waitangi Day long weekend.
After winning the toss and deciding to bowl, Collegiate made early inroads on the green pitch and had their visitors teetering at 25-5.
Number six Jack Sorrell stepped up in the crisis, and scored a career-best 89, and formed useful partnerships Willie Matthews [10], Charlie Matthews [11] and James Wilkinson [22], for a competitive total of 177.
In reply Collegiate posted 189, a slender lead, which should have been much bigger, but for a brilliant fightback.
Captain Jesse McIntyre led from the front, taking four wickets, as Rathkeale took the last five wickets for only 13 runs.
Rathkeale’s second turn at bat was all about Jonas, and the talented opener was brilliant in his innings of 164, a record score for the fixture between the two schools.
He faced 210 balls and stroked 17 fours, and when he was run out, Rathkeale declared setting the hosts 298 to win.
Medium-pacer Will Summerfield made early inroads picking up two wickets. Further wickets to Jonas and McIntyre just before tea left the chase in tatters, and with no option, Whanganui tried to salvage a draw.
An impressive 110 by Shaun O’Leary held the home side together and helped them cling on for a draw eight wickets down at stumps.
Rathkeale coach Neil Perry was rapt with the outcome from his side, with over half the team new to this level of cricket.
“The whole side contributed to a fantastic performance over the three days, which included moments of brilliance in the field,” he said.
“To play such good cricket for three days is an achievement in itself and the draw was enough to retain the Didsbury-Tatham Cup.”
BRIEF SCORES
Rathkeale 179 [Jack Sorrell 89; Shaun O’Leary 5-42] and 308-7 dec [Jake Jonas 164, Charlie Matthews 30no; Adam Beard 3-58] drew with Whanganui Collegiate 189 [Oscar Mabin 70, Carter Hobbs 51; Jesse McIntyre 4-59, Will Summerfield 3-27] and 188-8 [O’Leary 110; Jonas 4-37].
