By Jonathan Leask  February 8 2010

Five teams are left to battle for the four playoff spots in Mid Canterbury senior cricket.

At the conclusion of round four in the Muirhead Rosebowl, Methven sits top of the table, followed by Tech and Collegiate tied in second and Coldstream and Allenton sit equal third with Lauriston and Fairfield out of contention.

 Methven stayed in the lead after a hard-fought win over Allenton, while Collegiate had a solid win over Lauriston in a match that featured the second century of the season.

 In the other fixture Tech benefited from Fairfield’s misfortune. With Fairfield’s grounds vandalised during the week the pitch at Fairton was unable to be used and the hosts were unable to find an alternative venue so they were forced to default. That handed Tech some rather valuable points to see it draw level with Allenton in the Studholme Shield and one step closer to the playoffs. The result also leaves Fairfield anchored to the bottom of the table and still in search of an elusive first win. 

 Collegiate v Lauriston

 An unbeaten century from Bevan Richen steered his Collegiate side through to a convincing win over Lauriston. Richan opened the batting for Collegiate, and carried his bat through the innings to finish 142 not out.

 Things didn’t start well for Collegiate as it lost an early wicket and then a second on 30. Simon Murison and Richan then combined to get through to 110 before Murison was out on 46. Richen carried on to bring up his 50 in the 32nd over and his century in the 39th as he guided Collegiate through to 248/3.

 Jeremy Ravenscroft played a valuable support role finishing 31 not out. Lauriston went into bat with a huge task in front of it. After losing early wickets the Lauriston cause was aided when Collegiate elected to give everyone a bowl.

 Lauriston was eventually all out for 149 with Grant Goodwin making 53 and Rob Hooper adding 39, but it was another tough day at the office for Lauriston. For Collegiate Ravenscroft picked up 3/20 off 8.1 overs as Collegiate claimed a 99 run win.

 Allenton v Methven

 A depleted eight man Allenton very nearly pulled off a win against Methven in a match that lasted only 39 overs.

 Methven appeared to take a casual approach to its innings with its batsmen falling to a procession of loose shots against some accurate bowling after Allenton elected to field.

 Phil Gorman was the mainstay in the innings, making 27 before being bowled by Garth Jemmett who claimed 5/37. Methven was all out for just 95 after 23 overs.

 With only eight players Allenton effectively started the innings three down and after a positive start from Allenton, Luke Piper responded for Methven by taking three quick wickets. After Henry Cook was removed for 22, Allenton was in deep trouble and the Methven players could sense the impending victory. But Jemmett had other ideas as he hit his way to 36 and pushed the score through to 78 before Piper took the final wicket to claim a 17 run win in the 16th over. Piper finished with 5/34 and Ben Payne also picked up two wickets.

Pictured: Collegiate batsman Bevan Richan gets on the front foot during his unbeaten innings of 142 against Lauriston. - Photo Carmen Rooney 060210-CR-141