SPORT 24 The <strong>North</strong> <strong>Canterbury</strong> <strong>News</strong>, <strong>February</strong> 4, <strong>2021</strong> Zak on attack was not enough By LINDSAY KERR The heroic efforts of Darfield teenager Zak Foulkescould not save <strong>Canterbury</strong> Country cricketfrom defeat in its Hawke Cup defence against Nelson at MainPower Ovallast weekend. Country, in an often predictably tense encounter, had every reason to feel confident, having beaten its opponents in the zone preliminary match in Nelson earlier in the season. Batting first, the visitors wereinearly trouble when the Country bowling attack had them at 4/57 before Nick Clark and Jo O’Connor came together and took full advantage of five droppedcatches and a flattening pitch to add a 271runpartnership. Both batsmen recorded centuries before Clark was dismissed. Once the breakthrough was made,the innings quickly folded, with the team total restricted to 365. Foulkes finished with six Nelson wickets for 88 runs. With the state of the pitch clearly favouring CRICKET batting, Country felt confident the Nelson total was achievable. However, in afashion similar to the challengers, early wickets came in quick succession and, at 111 for 7, the target looked along way off. That was before Foulkes cametothe crease. He joined Jo Williams and the pair took the total to 162 before Williams departed. Sefton’s Fraser Sheet then joined Foulkes. They methodicallywent about adding 117 to the total, and aglimmer of hope began to appear. Sam Chamberlain came in at No. 11 afterSheet was dismissed, and like the bowlers before him went about his job with a degree of confidence. The end came as a surprise, with both batsmen appearing comfortable and their target only 40 runs away. Nelson batted again, but any thoughts Country had of dismissing them cheaply did not eventuate and, with only one wicket falling, stumpswere drawn and the cup Form with bat and ball ... Zak Foulkes’ fine allaround performance was unable to save the <strong>Canterbury</strong> Country cricket team from aloss. PHOTO:SUPPLIED changed hands. Scoreboard: <strong>Canterbury</strong> Country 325;ZFoulkes 92, FSheet76, JWilliams 28, TGruijters23, RMariu 21, SChamberlain 20 notout. TZohrab4/48, JNewport 4/74 losttoNelson 365; N Clark172, JO’Connor 120. ZFoulkes6/88and 54/1. Triumphant ... Avictorious Matt Sherlock atop his Mitsubishi FTO. PHOTO: SUPPLIED Matt claimstitle By ROBYN BRISTOW Localproduction saloon driver Matt Sherlock has been crowned New Zealand champion. Sherlock, aged24, claimed the honouratthe New Zealand Production Saloon Championshipsin Whanganui last month. In doing so, the Kaiapoibased driver made history by becoming the first person in the class to take third, second andfinally first placeinthe championships which have been runningfor four years. He now gets to display 1NZ on his car for the year. ‘‘I am stoked. Ihave the wholetrifecta,’’ says Sherlock, who won the championshipbythe barest of margins —one point. Sherlockheaded north with his Mitsubishi FTO alongwith acouple of others from Woodford Glen,striving to make the top 20 to qualifyfor the finals. ‘‘It was very hardwork, and very competitive,’’ said Sherlock, whose two brothers crewed. ‘‘We do it as afamily sport. We all love the enjoyment.’’ Sherlock givesalot of credittohis sponsors, who give him ‘‘massive support’’. The battle came down to amammoth tussle between BrentHackett from Whanganui and Sherlock, who ultimately prevailed. BACK IN STOCK -but selling fast! Alfie Leather 3 seater $ 2669 Buffet $ 1459 Highboard ‘Linea’ Oak Collection Coffee Table Round Table $ 1459 $ 619 $ 1050 2000 Table $ 1319 Entertainment Unit Matai Dining Chair Breuer Dining Chair $ 219 $ 269 $ 879 140 Brighton Mall Tel: 388 9128 OPEN 7DAYS www.bestfurniture.co.nz
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