Auckland’s Jimmy Neesham staked his claim for a place in the national Under 19 World Cup squad with an unbeaten 116 today – his second century in three days – as his side despatched Wellington in round three of the National Under 19 competition.
Auckland restricted Wellington to 168 for nine in their 50 overs, Tom Blundell top scoring with 56. Auckland made short work of the run chase, reaching the target in the 27th over and losing only one wicket. Neesham was well supported by Michael Barry on 37 not out.
Canterbury remain at the top of the table, just one point clear of Auckland, after taking maximum points in defeating Otago. Canterbury were dismissed on the last ball of their 50 overs having compiled 242, Tom Latham again top scoring with 77. For Otago Blair Soper took five for 48. Otago were unable to challenge the required total, all out in the 45th over for 180.
Central Districts and Northern Districts fought a close tussle, with Northern finishing just seven runs short of Central’s 216. For Central, captain Ben Smith scored 71 and Roald Badenhorst 56. Northern could only reach 209 before running out of overs with two wickets still in hand. Rory Darkins and Scott Kuggelelijn both went close to half centuries.
Canterbury and Auckland are now well ahead of the other four provinces with two rounds of play remaining before the finals. Central overtake Otago to move into third place.
Scorecards:
Central Districts 216 (B Smith 71, R Badenhorst 56; J Walker 4-28, M Thomas 3-28) defeated Northern Districts 209/8(R Darkins 49no, S Kuggeleijn 48, P Boocock 30; R Badenhorst 3/25, B Wheeler 3/31) by 7 runs.
Wellington 168/9 (T Blundell 56; J Drinkall 3/37) lost to Auckland 172/1 in 26.2 overs (J Neesham 116no, M Barry 37*) by nine wickets.
Canterbury 242 49.5 overs (T Latham 77, H Nicholls 63; B Soper 5/48) defeated Otago 180 44.4 overs (M Bracewell 54, D Power 39) by 62 runs.
Points Table (end of Round 3)
Canterbury - 15
Auckland - 14
Central Districts - 7.5
Otago - 4
Wellington - 0
Northern Districts - 0
* CD were penalised for a slow over rate on Day 1.
Download the day three short scorecards and full points table »
Friday 18 December is a rest day
Draw for Round 4, Saturday 19 December:
All games at Te Atatu Park, Auckland
Auckland v Otago
Wellington v Northern Districts
Central Districts v Canterbury
