Nelson v Lowerhouse (Twenty20)

Lowerhouse’s defence of their Twenty20 crown started with disappointment as Nelson gained a comfortable win at Seedhill on Friday night.

The home side batted first and negotiated a tricky looking wicket very well. Professional Ryan Canning was the mainstay as he posted an unbeaten 61 at the top of the order. Good spells from Ben Heap (2/16 off his 4 overs) and professional Cobus Pienaar (4/18 off 4 overs) prevented Nelson from reaching a much higher score as they completed their 20 overs on 135/7.

The visitors were unable to stay with the required rate throughout the innings as Nelson’s bowlers gained the initiative. Jonny Whitehead (25), Pienaar (16), Matt Walker (14), Charlie Cottam (15), Joe Hawke (13) and Fergus Bailey (13*) all made starts but it wasn’t enough as Lowerhouse finished 111/8 off their 20 overs which gave the home side victory by 24 runs.

MOM was Ben Heap for his 2/16.