Jaco Vorster scored his first century for Wairarapa with a hard hit 110. PHOTO/FILE
CRICKET
CHRIS COGDALE
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Sunday’s wet weather ended any chance of Post Office Hotel Wairarapa pushing for victory against Whanganui in their Furlong Cup two-day match at the Queen Elizabeth Park Oval.
Wairarapa were strongly placed at stumps on the first day, having posted a formidable 343 all out and the visitors struggling at 38-2.
A maiden representative century by all-rounder Jaco Vorster was the highlight of Saturday’s play. The powerful South African came to the crease with the home side 110-3, which soon became 116-4 with the dismissal of Jared van Deventer for a superb 54.
Vorster was patient early in his innings but became more aggressive as he gained confidence. His 110 came from just 128 balls and featured 11 fours and four sixes. However, he did have his fair share of good fortune, having been dropped three times in one over.
Although Vorster was involved in a 99-run stand off just 16 overs for the eighth wicket with Gus Borren, who contributed 46 at almost a run a ball to take Wairarapa beyond 300, two earlier partnerships laid the platform for the big score.
The first was between number three van Deventer and Andy Dodd [35], who added 81 for the third wicket in difficult batting conditions. The second of 43 runs was between Vorster and captain Gordon Reisima, who took an aggressive approach in scoring 28 from 30 balls, changing the course of the game.
Whanganui struggled somewhat against the accurate Wairarapa seam attack and were 38-2, effectively three down, with opener Chris Stewart retiring hurt with a dislocated shoulder, when stumps were drawn.
Steady heavy rain overnight on Saturday and into Sunday morning cleared for the covers to be removed, only for water to have leaked on to the pitch, leaving it unplayable and bringing an early end to the game.
BRIEF SCORES
Wairarapa 343 [Jaco Vorster 110, Jared van Deventer 54, Gus Borren 46, Andy Dodd 35; Connor O’Leary 3-82, John Beale 3-39] Whanganui 38-2. Match abandoned.
