Otago and Wellington record victories today
With a second consecutive bonus point win, Auckland have moved past competition leaders Northern Districts, recording an 103 run win over Central Districts in today’s fourth round of 50-over action at the Provincial A tournament at Lincoln.
Opener Tim McIntosh the top scorer for the second match in a row in Auckland’s victory, backing up his third round century with a measured 58 today. A fine 56 from Dusan Hakaraia and quickfire 40 off 28 from Donovan Grobbelaar launched Auckland to 258 all out with the bowlers then rolling Central for 156 in 41.2 overs. Pace-man Bevan Small managed to shine for Central with four for 39.
Otago eased to an empathic 83 run win over Northern Districts with victory set up by a Hamish Rutherford who hit a belligerent 120 off 96 balls and finished off the by a brilliant bowling performance. Rutherford received good support from Darren Broom who made 44 as they piled on 264 in 48.4 overs. Seamer Brandon Hiini was the best of the Northern line up taking four for 38. The Northern reply never got going as a relentless Otago bowling unit hunted as a pack. Experienced Ian Butler set the tone taking three for 30 while Sam Blakely and Marcus Frost picked up two apiece. Brett Hampton made a defiant 55 as the rest of the Northern batsman faltered, losing their last wicket after 35.3 overs with just 181 on the board.
Wellington edged past Canterbury in a tightly fought contest by three wickets with five balls to spare. Batting first, Canterbury made 248 for eight thanks to Henry Nicolls and David Fulton who both struck 42 and Matt McEwan who finised off the inning with an unbeaten 43. Wellington opener Michael Papps got the reply off to a solid start with 58 and number three batsman Tom Blundell backed him up with 60 before a number of middling scored helped them reach 249 for seven..
Northern Districts v Otago - http://scoring.blackcaps.co.nz/livescoring/match1307/scorecard.aspx
Auckland v Central Districts - http://scoring.blackcaps.co.nz/livescoring/match1308/scorecard.aspx
Canterbury v Wellington - http://scoring.blackcaps.co.nz/livescoring/match1309/scorecard.aspx
Points
Auckland – 14
Northern Districts – 11
Canterbury – 10
Otago – 9
Wellington – 8
Central Districts – 2
