McCAW LEWIS NORTHERN MAORI began their 2017 programme with a good win over an Invitation Team at Kaipaki .

Played on an artificial pitch, the Maori team recovered from the loss of two early wickets to post 384 runs for 9 wickets off their 50 overs. The team mix of seasoned rep players and young promising players worked well. Mikaere Leef [86] and Ben Pomare [64], both students at Tauranga Boys' College, batted fluently.  Leef hit three sixes and nine fours and Pomare two sixes and five fours. The experienced Tom Hayes [53], Bayden Morey [58], and Leighton Parsons [31], supported the youngsters as the Maori team built up their imposing total.

The Kaipaki Invitation team, despite a late flurry from Craig Bullock [76 including seven sixes], was always behind in the run chase. Accurate spells from medium pacers Timoti Weir, Lochie Holt, and Chris Tupaea built pressure on the batsmen and wickets followed. Weir[ 2 for 40 off 10 overs] and late replacement Andy McLean [3 for 27 off 5 overs] were the most successful wicket takers. Though wicketless, Leef conceded only 27 runs from his 8 overs. The Invitation team was all out for 240 in the 45th over.

Next outing for the Maori team is against NZ Croatia at Cobham Oval, Whangarei on 12 March.