Canterbury batsmen set Otago steep chase

Canterbury tightened the screws on Otago on the third day of their Plunket Shield four-day cricket match in Queenstown yesterday, setting them 435 to secure an unlikely win today.

Resuming on 178 for six in reply to Canterbury's first-innings 315, Otago struggled through another 11 overs before they were all out for 221, with only wicketkeeper Derek de Boorder's 55 providing much real resistance.

Chris Martin and Hamish Bennett vied for top Canterbury bowling honours, picking up three wickets apiece, while Brandon Hiini chipped in with 2-42.

Canterbury's batsmen looked generally comfortable, with only Peter Fulton's four-ball duck giving the side any cause for concern.

Former Black Caps opener Michael Papps provided the backbone of the innings, combining with Johann Myburgh to put on 154 runs for the third wicket after Canterbury faltered briefly at 84 for two.

While Myburgh was trapped in front by Warren McSkimming for 90, Papps went on to secure his 18th first-class century, before also falling leg before wicket to Anthony Bullick on 122.

Dean Brownlie put on a quickfire 25 from 28 balls, and Canterbury declared at 340 for five on the loss of his wicket to leave Otago openers Craig Cumming and Leighton Morgan a nervous five overs to survive before stumps were drawn.

Northern Districts crushed Auckland by 10 wickets with a day to spare at Whangarei, with teenager Kane Williamson playing a starring role.

Williamson, resuming on his overnight score of 163, was dismissed eight runs short of a double century, but showed his prowess as an all-rounder when he claimed three wickets with his off-spin, as well as taking a catch in Auckland's second innings.

Replying to Auckland's first innings of 227, Northern Districts posted 410 yesterday, a lead of 183. Northern's win leaves them poised to claim the title on 44 points with two rounds remaining.

Central Districts are in command against Wellington at Napier entering the final day.

At stumps on the third day yesterday, Central Districts were 172 for two in their second innings, needing just another 54 runs for the outright win after conceding first-innings points to Wellington.

Wellington squandered their opportunity to break a run of four heavy defeats in the competition, when their fragile batting was once again exposed.

They posted a paltry 207 in their second innings, as their batsmen – with the exception of Neil Parlane, who scored 90 over eight hours and 15 minutes – struggled to establish a defendable total.

Central's Peter Ingram celebrated his Black Caps test callup to play Australia with a 59 before giving Luke Woodcock a return catch off his own bowling.

- NZPA