Cricket: Scotland cruise to win in New Zealand

Scotlands Kyle Coetzer posted the top score of 66, confirming his return to top form. Picture: SNS Group

The Scots, who came within two runs of beating a full-strength New Zealand XI last week, bounced back from  Friday’s defeat by Canterbury to cruise to a 91-run success.

Delighted skipper Preston Mommsen declared: “It was a great team performance today and very pleasing that so many things went right.

“The way we finished our  batting innings was particularly pleasing and our bowlers then did a brilliant job taking wickets early and that made it very difficult for them to stay in the chase.

“The fielding was also impressive – probably the best it’s been on the tour.”

Batting first, Scotland lost Hamish Gardiner and Matt Machan early on but Kyle Coetzer confirmed his return to top form by top scoring for the second match running.

The Northants batsman, back in his familiar opening role, composed a well-crafted 66 with nine boundaries before  Mommsen made one run fewer.

The lower order men then cashed-in on the platform with Freddie Coleman (39) and Josh Davey (23) scoring at a rapid  rate.

Forfarshire wicketkeeper-batsman Craig Wallace then marked his first game of the tour by hammering 32 from only 12 deliveries with six boundaries and a maximum as Scotland posted 277 for eight.

In reply Wellington suffered a huge setback when former New Zealand and Ayr opener Michael Papps was clean-bowled by Safy Sharif for just two.

Brady Barnett followed soon after, caught by Wallace off Iain Wardlaw, as the Scots tightened their grip. Despite a battling half-century from Luke Woodcock, Mommsen’s men stayed in control for the remainder of the match with Sharif, Davey and Majid Haq all claiming two wickets.

The hosts were eventually all out for 186 in the 47th over and Mommsen added: “We haven’t quite been able to get over the line in our last couple of games so to get the win today was  pretty important.”

Scotland will aim to end their tour on a high when they face Otago tomorrow.