Scoring a century can be hard enough, but for Firebirds batsman Luke Woodcock, 100 just wasn’t enough for him in the latest round of the Plunket Shield against the Central Stags.
Woodcock came to the crease with the Firebirds reeling in their first innings on five for three and the pressure was on to anchor the innings. His half century came in 130 minutes and before he knew it his score was in the 90s. “When I get into the 90s I get a little bit nervous. Some players say that they don’t, but they do!” Woodcock said. “I got 93 a couple of weeks ago in Hamilton so it was nice to get over the 100 line this week and turn it into a big score.”
Woodcock went on to lead the Firebirds to 440 in their first innings, scoring his highest First Class score of 220*. He faced 400 balls and hit 27 fours in the process. “It’s disappointing that we didn’t win the game but I was really pleased to gain a personal best.”
* Malaesaili Tugaga congratulates Luke Woodcock
Creating strong partnerships is the key to success according to Woodcock. Stu Rhodes and Malaesaili Tugaga supported Woodcock through his double century, with Tugaga scoring a 103 in the process. “You have to start setting small targets together and don’t get too far a head of yourself,” he said. “To create a really decent partnership you need to keep things simple and take it from there.”
With the HRV Cup starting in the New Year, Woodcock is looking forward to showing off his batting skills in the shortest form of the game. “I’m known more as a four day cricketer; however I’ve developed my Twenty20 and one day skills. It’s great to be part of all three formats.”
