Takapuna District Cricket Club

Last year Takapuna were bundled out in the quarter finals so this years team were determined to walk away with some silverware. 

Things went to plan in the first game as Takapuna dispatched Papatoetoe C thanks to a 16 ball 50 from Captain and Super Hitter Blake 'Viv' Douglas. Things didn't go as smoothly in the second game as Jono Sole was bowled first ball. Douglas and Mathewson batted together for a while but it was Mark Norman that got Taka through to their total of 68. He took 20 off the last over including the biggest six of the day as he smashed a full toss out of the ground, down the road and into the next post code. Tight bowling all round led to a 1 run win. That was their closest game of the tournament as the Taka boys made short work of Birkenhead, North Shore and Ellerslie to get through to the final against University. Taka bowled first and restricted Uni to 57. It was all downhill from there as Douglas and Mathewson comfortably picked up the runs without losing a wicket. Special mentions go to The skipper Blake Douglas for his leadership and big hitting, Simon Mathewson for his team leading 150 runs, Max O'Dowd for his tournament leading 6 wickets, Mark Norman for his six hitting power, Mark Farmer for his stumpings and managing to get out twice in 1 game and lastly for Jono Sole for his massive contribution with the bat, his on-the-spot bowling, his pin-point throws and for almost vomitting after running a 4. Also a special thanks to coach Neil Fletcher for fronting the team entry fee and assistant coach Alex O'Dowd for his staunch support. 

Photo Back Row from left to right: Neil Fletcher (coach and sub fielder), Simon Mathewson, Mark Farmer, Max O'Dowd, Mark Norman, Blake Douglas (captain) and Jono Sole.