TOP FORM: Ōtorohanga Raptors opener Leighton Parsons hit his third successive hundred for the club in their win over Hamilton Boys’. PHOTO SUPPLIED
ŌTOROHANGA opening batter Leighton Parsons propelled his team to a 65-run victory over the Hamilton Boys’ High School second XI last weekend. Parson hammered his third successive hundred for the season, something he has never achieved in his time with the Raptors. His century marched him towards the 500-run mark for the season and saw him notch his 32nd ton for the club. Batting first on a green wicket, runs were hard to come by but fortunately Parsons laid the perfect foundation. Fresh from representing Districts at the National over 40s tournament, Parsons showcased his class. Fellow opener Bennet Groube, who likes to attack the bowling, was out doing just that while Jasper Presswell helped Morgan rebuild before the former fell for 16. Thomas Rogers came and went, while the hard-hitting Hamish Patel made 20, which included a huge six. When he departed, Brett Fenton faced just seven balls in a 30-run partnership with Parsons before he was lbw. Veteran Chris Keech, who was playing his 91st game for the club, provided the perfect foil for Parsons as the pair added 49 in what was a key partnership. Bryan King chimed in with 12 and Parsons ended up on 116 not out in a century that featured nine fours. The Raptors had 218 on the board and knew it would be enough if they hit their lines with the ball. It took a while but opening bowler Jacob Hunt finally made the breakthrough in what was a tidy display of bowling. Ethan Gray backed him up well and was rewarded with a wicket for his toils. King, Charlie Presswell, Parsons, Keech, Rogers and Jasper Presswell all bowled superbly and helped Ōtorohanga dismiss their opponents for 163 to secure top spot. Last weekend a dominant showing with the ball secured Ōtorohanga a tense five wicket victory over Fraser Tech. Down on personnel, Ōtorohanga had to call in some old faces including opening bowler Tom Te Whare, who showed he still oozed class. Te Whare once he got his radar working knocked over Tech’s top order with three wickets and some outstanding swing bowling. Ethan Gray and Charlie Presswell bagged two wickets each, while the Raptors were dynamite in the field as they snaffled two run outs. With just 80 to win, the Raptors would have been confident but there were some jitters. Openers Groube and Brett Fenton went early, however a patient 33 from import Jasper Presswell secured Ōtorohanga the victory. It’s been good the side has been able to get out on the park the past couple of weeks as the previous two prior to that were washed out. This weekend’s semi-final contest sees them face St Pauls 1st XI in a game Ōtorohanga will be wanting to win. If their key players stand up and they’re close to full strength, hopefully the Raptors will be playing next weekend. In the other semi-final is University, who are facing Hamilton Old Boys’.
