Valley maintained its unbeaten run in Dick Hunt trophy cricket when it beat Union by 36 runs at King George Park on Saturday to earn a place in next week's final. Albion beat Oamaru by 20 runs at Centennial number two to create a three way tie for second. Union on count back based on runs scored divided by wickets lost in the three qualifying rounds headed off Oamaru and Albion and will play Valley next week at King George Park as Valley's ground is being used for the Highlanders rugby trial.
Valley won the toss and made a solid start at 35 for one after six overs. The next 11 overs produced a further 97 runs for the loss of three further wickets with Kelvin Mansfield top scoring with 58 and Mark Patterson adding 26.The Valley innings closed at 157 for eight with Dan Conlan and Paul Johnston taking two wickets each.
Glynn Cameron(34)and James Cutt(32) produced an opening stand of 74 but then Union lost four quick wickets to slump to 88 for four after 12 overs. With those four wickets falling for only 14 runs. Union never regained the momentum and after the 20 overs was 121 for seven.
Hamish McKenzie and Mark Patterson both claimed three wickets off their four overs with McKenzie taking three for two off his last eight balls.
Oamaru won the toss and put Albion in to bat. Oamaru appeared to have the upper hand with Albion 66 for four after 11 overs. A brilliant innings of 81 not out from Brad Kernahan, which included six sixes guided Albion through to 147 for six with Nigel Moriarty adding 20. Hamish Grant and Mark Creighton took three wickets each.
Only Regan George (27) showed grit against the Albion attack as Oamaru made 127 for nine. Brent O'Connor took two for 15 and their were three run outs in the Oamaru innings.