Zohrab outstanding as Griffins Secure Much Needed Win

A great effort from young all rounder Thomas Zohrab was instrumental in a resounding victory for the Nelson Pine Griffins in their vital Hawke Cup Zone 3 match against Buller at Saxton Oval over the weekend. 

First Zohrab snared five scalps with his mediums as Nelson dismissed the visitors for a below par total of 121 on Saturday.  Opening batsman Michael Grafton toiled away at the top end of the innings as both opening bowlers Jarrod McKay and Josh Newport looked menacing.  Although McKay had control difficulties, he was always a handful for the Buller batsmen to deal with.  The metronomic Zohrab then came on and with his impeccable lines and lengths was well rewarded.  Wicket keeper Nic Clarke was able to exert more pressure by standing up to the stumps and he claimed six good catches for the match – four in this first innings. 

Zohrab then anchored the Nelson riposte with a 215-ball innings that included 14 boundaries.  He was the mainstay of a number of solid top order partnerships, with his brother David, Paddy Howes and Clark which ensured the home team were able to push on for a healthy lead.  The visiting bowlers toiled away manfully on the, by now flat, Saxton Oval deck but they made few in roads.  Troy Scanlon and Ethan Slee both delivered 24 overs and ensured Nelson were not going to have an easy ride.  Scanlon fully deserved his five-wicket haul as he demonstrated consistent control throughout.

Nelson established a lead of 191 before declaring before lunch on Sunday morning.  The die was cast however when Buller had already slipped to three for 31 by the break.  McKay again made the early inroads and this time off spinner Max Mannering created most of the indecision in the middle of the innings.  Although Buller battled away for 58 overs it appeared, they were facing the inevitable result.  Scanlon again showed his class in a defiant knock, but it was always going to be a big ask.  The Nelson bowlers and fielders stuck to their task well and an athletic catch by Newport

to dismiss Nathan Thompson was a real example of the application that the young home team were willing to display.

The victory keeps the Nelson Pine Griffins Hawke Cup hopes alive as they host Marlborough next weekend in the final round robin match as they hope to qualify for the Zone Final.

Buller                                                    121                         Nathan Thompson 25, Michael Grafton 24, Thomas Zohrab 5/27, Jarrod McKay 3/20, Josh Newport 2/47

Nelson Pine Griffins                       312/8 dec.          Zohrab 119, Nic Clark 39, Paddy Howes 30, Finn Restieaux 28, David Zohrab 22, Troy Scanlon 5/76, Ethan Slee 2/99

Buller                                                    129                         J. Richards 45, Scanlon 30, McKay 4/27, Max Mannering 3/29, Felix Murray 2/27

Nelson Pine Griffins won by an innings and 62 runs