For the fifth time in the last decade, Tauranga Boys' College first XI has earned a berth in the Gillette Cup National Finals after defeating Hamilton Boys' High School in the Northern Districts final.

The two sides squared off at Nicholson Field in a winner take all contest.

After winning the toss, the visitors to the Western Bay were in a strong position at 119 for the loss of just three wickets.

A 77 run partnership between Anish Desai, who top scored for his side with a gritty 60 runs, and Joe Walker, did the damage.

The introduction of Tauranga Boys' part time off spin bowler Tom MacRury changed the course of the match.

MacRury grabbed a five-wicket bag returning the outstanding figures of 5/15 as Hamilton Boys' lost their last six wickets for just 44 runs to be dismissed for 162.

Josh Dwight also bowled well to finish with 2/28.

Tauranga stroke maker Elliot Timoti, who had taken his side to victory against St Peter's in the ND semi-final, gave his side a grand start making 42 before dismissal.

Alex Oakley then picked up the baton to top score with a well-constructed half century. When Alex was dismissed, the home side were 139 with three wickets in hand.

With the match evenly poised, it was left to Mitch Bodnar to hold his nerve and take his team to victory, with an unbeaten 28 runs.

The two wicket win, has taken the Tauranga Boys' side to the Gillette Cup national final to be played at the NZ Cricket High Performance facility at Lincoln Christchurch 2-6 December.

The Gillette Cup finals tournament will feature six secondary schools representing the six major cricket associations in the country.

Tauranga Boys' has established an impressive record in the Gillette Cup in the last decade.

First equal in 2005 was followed by three successive third place finishes in the symbol of secondary school cricket superiority in the country.

Results

ND Gillette Cup Final November 3

Hamilton BHS 162 (A Desai 60, Tom MacRury 5/15, Josh Dwight 2/28) lost to Tauranga Boys College (Alex Oakley 52, Elliot Timoti 42, Mitchell Bodnar 28no; E Satner 4/26, N Vishwanath 3/27)