Muri Creeps sensational

The Muri Creeps dominance in the Computer Man Top Four cricket competition continued on Saturday with a comprehensive victory over Turangi.

Batting first, Turangi brothers Sepa and Vane Tangimetua put on a solid opening partnership however once Sepa was dismissed by a brilliant catch at gully (Taiki) Muri hit another gear and applied relentless pressure on the Turangi middle order. While Vane was brilliant, he lost key players around him.

Bobby Hunter (five wickets), Syme and Tiri Toa were in top form with the ball and the major catalyst in having Turangi dismissed for 150 runs.

Muris batting response was classical. In an impeccable batting display Muri openers Space Raumea (47 runs) and Syme (65) went about collecting the 3.5 runs per over required with skilful ease, placing the ball about the park, collecting ones and taking advantage of any occasional stray bowling from the Turangi side.

The pair posted a 100-run partnership to set up an eight wicket win for Muri.

In the other of the Computer Man Top Four matches, the Titans fairytale rise into the Computer Man Top Four continued with a win over heavyweights the Arorangi Red Backs.

Batting first the Titans showed good form in posting 165 runs against formidable bowling by young Tuaine Mamanu (two wickets for 27) and Tom Vea (two for 28).

The Titans backed up their solid batting with a brilliant effort in the field, Cameron Thorp the pick of the bowlers taking four wickets for seven runs. Tom Vea continued his big hitting dominance booming the ball all over Raemaru Park on his way to 34.

In what had been an evenly competitive match, swung in the Titans favour once key Red Back batters Pare Rongokea and Apii Mamanu had been dismissed.

The total proving too much for the middle order batters as they fell 47 runs short.

Heading into the playoffs this weekend the Red Backs get the opportunity to exact some revenge against Titikaveka.

Turangi will be looking to turn around the result from last Saturday with a win over hosts Muri in their first versus second playoff match.

The winner of the Creeps-Turangi match will gain direct entry to the final while the looser will get one more shot at a finals spot against the winner of the third versus fourth, Titans-Red Backs match Titikaveka.