ROUND ONE (recheduled match • 2022/23
Seddon Park, Hamilton
10 December 2022
Northern Districts v Auckland Aces : No result
Selected milestones
Peter Drysdale - List A debut
Peter Drysdale - maiden List A wicket (with his first delivery)
In a fixture rescheduled from Round One in Auckland, defending Ford Trophy champions the Auckland Aces were still on the hunt for their first win in their fourth match.
Aces captain Robbie O'Donnell elected to bat in overcast conditions, and made a fair start despite two quick breakthroughs from ND.
All images | PHOTOSPORT
Neil Wagner and Scott Kuggeleijn both struck inside the first five overs, but ND's biggest celebration came when long-serving Mount Maunganui, Bay of Plenty and ND A veteran Pete Drysdale came on as first change in the ninth over.
Drysdale had a wicket with his very first delivery on his long-awaited Ford Trophy debut, Mark Chapman caught at 46/3.
Another veteran in George Worker was meanwhile holding the fort for Auckland, and the left-hander gritted his teeth before going on to a half century.
PHOTOSPORT
The opener batted into the 36th over, but was caught on 57 at 166/4 - by which time grey rainclouds were gathering. He'd provided the anchor for his captain, O'Donnell reaching 72 before he was caught off Brett Hampton.
The players went off for an early lunch at 212/5 after 41.2 overs when that looming rain arrived, and the covers went on. They didn't come off until just after 4pm, and the innings would be closed off after those initial 36 overs.
The target for Northern Districts was DLS-revised to 233 off 36 overs.
Danru Ferns struck with his first delivery of the response, Katene Clarke popping up a catch.
Tim Seifert and Jeet Raval had the job of steadying the ship for the hosts, but rain again interrupted the match at 76/1 and saw the overs further reduced.
Intense rainstorms were meanwhile now sweeping across the upper North Island, and the match was called off shortly before 7pm.
The Aces were finally on the board with two points, but still yet to get the satisfaction of a win to boost their campaign.
The Aucklanders now stay on the road, heading to Pukekura Park for a doubleheader 'Grand Final rematch' with the Central Stags on both Tuesday and Thursday next week.
