The State Central Stags had to wait for the rain to clear before completing a 138-run win over State Championship rivals State Auckland Aces today.
Central won the match before lunch at Nelson Park in Napier after brushing aside Auckland's remaining resistance on the final morning of the four-day fixture.
The hosts did all the hard work yesterday, setting the Aces a victory target of 342 before reducing them to 159 for six in their second innings by stumps.
With the visitors still 183 shy of the mark, Central began today intent on mopping up.
For a while they must have feared they would need to literally do that, as rain halted their progress.
Their early work brought almost instant rewards as Auckland slumped further to 172 for eight after another six overs, before the players were forced to take cover as rain swept the ground.
That must have made for some anxious moments in the Stags’ dressing room, but any unease disappeared as the overhead conditions brightened.
Once back to work, the home side did not waste their time, requiring another six overs to complete their victory by dismissing the Aucklanders for 203.
Andy McKay was the last wicket to fall, for 18, bowled by Brent Hefford who finished with the best figures of three for 48.
Scott Styris' hard-hit 71 yesterday was the only notable Auckland knock of the second innings.
NZPA
