Canterbury celebrate win - at last

It was in April 2008 that Canterbury last gave their victory song an airing after a first-class match so, after completing a comprehensive 115-run win over Otago at Rangiora yesterday, the boys tore into it with gusto.

"It's so refreshing and it's been an awesome team performance," said delighted captain Kruger van Wyk.

"If you look over the four days, guys performed their roles beautifully: opening batters, new-ball bowlers, middle-order players, everyone contributed to helping us dominate for four days and come up trumps.

"A lot of credit has to go to a lot of boys. Fults' [Peter Fulton] performance [off 172 and 77] was outstanding and our two senior fast bowlers [Shane Bond and Chris Martin] as well. The way they led the attack was really inspiring.

"They were always willing. They were sore and they were stiff at times, but it was never a case of `no thanks'. Those guys are fantastic and they always put their hand up [to bowl]."

What was most satisfying for all concerned yesterday, was that victory did not come easy. Chasing an unlikely 471 to win, Otago were well on their way to a draw at 124 without loss.

But a brilliant runout by Todd Astle at last gave Canterbury some momentum and when they were again struggling in the middle of the day, he took a screamer in the gully to dismiss Neil Wagner and set the team back on their way.

"Physically it was hard, mentally it was hard, but the rewards that come with victory are so good and that's what cricket's about," van Wyk said.

"On a last day there's always half-chances that can win you a game and I thought that catch of Toddy's and the runout were outstanding. You really need those things to go your way when you've already played three days of hard cricket."

Bond and Martin again bowled their hearts out on an unresponsive pitch, but no-one deserved their wickets more than Andrew Ellis. When the ball is old and someone has to battle up into the wind, Ellis is always a willing volunteer and his three second-innings scalps were vital to the outcome.

Securing maximum points sees Canterbury move up to second on the competition standings, ahead of Auckland's arrival of QE II Park next week.

National callups mean they will be without Bond, Martin and Fulton, while batsman Shanan Stewart is in doubt with a leg-muscle strain.

- © Fairfax NZ News