Central edge past Canterbury, Wellington have big win over Otago
Northern Districts have regained the lead in the National Provincial A tournament at Lincoln with a bonus point win over Auckland in today’s 50-over top of the table clash.
A team effort from the Northern batting line up saw them reach 233 for nine with their bowlers bundling out Auckland for 185 in the 46th over to win by 48 runs. Number eight batsman Brandon Hiini was Northern’s best with 38 while similar contributions came from middle order batsman Daryl Mitchell who made 35 and opener Michael Dodunski with 33. New ball bowler Mitchell McClenaghan was once again delivered for Auckland, taking three for 50.
The Auckland reply got off to a shaky start despite opener Tim McIntosh digging in with a hard fought 42. Marc Ellison pitched in with 40 but very there was little else from the rest of the batsmen. Northern bowler James Baker picked up three for 51 while Brett Hampton impressed with two for 29.
Wellington quick Tipene Friday ripped through the Otago batting line, taking five for 42 as they crumbled to 123 all-out in 26.2 overs. Opener Josh Brodie then hammered 72 to ensure a quick finish as Wellington made 124 for three in just 21.4 overs to complete a comprehensive seven wicket bonus point win. From the Otago batting performance, Ian Butler stood out with 46 off 38 in an entertaining knock that included eight boundaries and a six.
Canterbury paid the price for a slow start to their run chase with the top order taking a measured approach before getting out, leaving the rest of the team with too much to do against a disciplined Central Districts bowling and fielding unit. Batting first Central made 263 for nine and then restricted Canterbury to 256 for eight. BJ Barnett was the best of the Central batsman with 69 off just 55 deliveries while Will Young struck a decent 42 and Greg Todd lashed 41 off 25 at the end. Canterbury seamer Ed Nuttall picked up four for 48. The Canterbury openers put on 107 for the first wicket but tight bowling form Central ensured they had used up half the overs. Middle order batsman Henry Nicholls did his best with 55 off 42 but the run-rate was too much and Canterbury fell seven runs short.
The tournament moves onto the Twenty20 component of the competition tomorrow with two matches followed but a final round on Monday.
Northern Districts v Auckland - http://scoring.blackcaps.co.nz/livescoring/match1313/scorecard.aspx
Otago v Wellington - http://scoring.blackcaps.co.nz/livescoring/match1312/scorecard.aspx
Canterbury v Central Districts - http://scoring.blackcaps.co.nz/livescoring/match1314/scorecard.aspx
Points
Northern Districts – 16
Auckland – 14
Wellington – 13
Canterbury – 10
Otago – 9
Central Districts – 6
