Match State: Match scheduled to start at 12pm local time (2300 GMT)
welcome to McLean Park in Napier for the first Shell Cup final
between Central Districts and Canterbury
it's a wonderful day in Napier today, just light cloud scattered
across the sky, with the temperature gauge already hitting the
mid-20s at around 10:30am this morning
it's a picturesque scene with the Norfolk pines lining the sea view
horizon, though the crowd here is still pretty meagre at this
stage
a few more than the 200-odd that were present for the first ball
bowled in the semi-final here 3 days ago, but not many more,
admittedly it's a midweek match, so it should build strongly later
in the day towards the climax
Canterbury have won the toss and elected to bat first on the same
pitch being used as that for the semi-final
Canterbury have left out Marcel McKenzie from their playing XI, to
carry the drinks, while Central retain their winning team and
Haydn Morgan once more fulfils the duties for Central, while
Gareth West is 13th man
it's crucial for Central Districts to strike first here today, as
the best-of-3-finals series heads back to Christchurch for games
two and three (if needed), and they're up against the defending
champions who've won 7 of the last 9 titles, so they know
exactly what to do when it gets to this stage of the game, Central
on the other hand are featuring in their first final since the
1993/94 season, in what has been a generally lean decade in terms
of one-day success for the team
it'll be Ewen Thompson to open the bowling for Central from the
Centennial Stand End, with Brad Doody on strike and Nathan Astle
at the other end
just the one slip in place to begin with, third man, gully, point,
cover, mid off, mid on, square leg, long leg in place for the
left-hander on strike
0.1 Thompson to Doody, legbye: one run, Canterbury underway
immediately, Doody rapped on the pads and draws a big appeal from
the bowler alone but angling down leg, trickles away behind square
for an easy run
0.2 Thompson to Astle, no run, good length ball, Astle jumps forward
into a defensive push away towards cover point, Sulzberger across
to field
0.3 Thompson to Astle, no run, similarly good length, this time a
little straighter, defended down towards Smith at square leg
0.4 Thompson to Astle, (noball) no run, oversteps, forward, defends
down into the covers, straight to Sulzberger once more
0.4 Thompson to Astle, one run, straight ball, easily worked away
towards wide midwicket, easy single with the shot as Oram fields
from straighter
0.5 Thompson to Doody, one run, angling down the leg side, tucked off
the hip down to Kelly at long leg
0.6 Thompson to Astle, no run, drawn forward into a full ball, struck
flush on the toe, big appeal from Thompson but a quick shake of
the head by umpire Hill
End of over 1 (4 runs) Canterbury 4/0 (RR: 4.00)
EP Thompson 1-0-3-0 (1nb) - Centennial Stand End
BJK Doody 1* (2b) NJ Astle 1* (5b)
Brent Hefford to open up from the Embankment End to Doody, again
just the one slip in place
1.1 Hefford to Doody, one run, full ball outside off stump, firmly
driven into the covers, beats the dive of Sulzberger, easy run
with the shot as Kelly fields from wide mid off
1.2 Hefford to Astle, no run, shortish ball, hops back in the crease to
defend, played down a little leading edgily towards Smith at point
1.3 Hefford to Astle, no run, drawn forward into a straight ball, seams
into the pad as he looks to work it to midwicket, half hearted
appeal for lbw from Hefford but too far forward
1.4 Hefford to Astle, no run, forward, sweetly works it forward of
square leg, rolling the wrists on it but Douglas is quickly across
to field from squarer to prevent thoughts of a quick run
1.5 Hefford to Astle, no run, well forward, strokes it straight to
Sulzberger at extra cover with far more of a relaxed approach
1.6 Hefford to Astle, no run, mistimes an attempted power drive down
the ground, not quite the width there, played into the ground and
bounces its way up to mid off
End of over 2 (1 run) Canterbury 5/0 (RR: 2.50)
BE Hefford 1-0-1-0 - Embankment End
BJK Doody 2* (3b) NJ Astle 1* (10b)
2.1 Thompson to Doody, no run, good rising ball outside off stump,
Doody fends forward at it, just withdrew in time as he was left
wafting in no man's land, nice delivery
2.2 Thompson to Doody, no run, tries to pick up a shortish ball over
the leg side but it hurries on into the top of the pad, angling
down the leg side, drops down to Douglas who's in to field
2.3 Thompson to Doody, one run, driving outside off stump, gets a thick
outside edge somewhat aerially towards Smith at point, awkwardly
grabs at it as it bounces and ends up parrying it away from
himself, and concedes a run that was never there
2.4 Thompson to Astle, no run, full ball outside off stump, mistimes a
strong drive straight up to Schwass at wide mid off
2.5 Thompson to Astle, no run, looking to turn a good length ball away
into the leg side, misses, into the pad and rebounds back to the
bowler
2.6 Thompson to Astle, no run, good short rising ball on off stump,
hops on the crease and defends firmly down to Douglas in the
covers
End of over 3 (1 run) Canterbury 6/0 (RR: 2.00)
EP Thompson 2-0-4-0 (1nb) - Centennial Stand End
BJK Doody 3* (6b) NJ Astle 1* (13b)
3.1 Hefford to Doody, no run, forward, firmly drives straight up to
Kelly at mid off
3.2 Hefford to Doody, no run, steps forward down the crease rather
early, enough time for the movements to be telegraphed back to the
bowler, who digs it in shorter, Doody is forced to check his shot
and has to awkwardly pat it down in close on the leg side
3.3 Hefford to Doody, no run, driving at a full ball outside off stump,
never quite to it, gets a thick edge low to the ground, bouncing
once through to Spearman at slip
3.4 Hefford to Doody, no run, shortish ball angling on leg stump, tries
to work it away but plays it into the thigh pad and trickles down
wide of the keeper, hesitancy from Doody looking for the run
before Astle yells 'no!' in no uncertain manner
3.5 Hefford to Doody, FOUR, fair length ball outside off stump, Doody
chases after it, crashing it down through the covers playing it on
the up, well played past the diving Sulzberger for Canterbury's
first boundary
3.6 Hefford to Doody, no run, well forward, drives quietly up to Kelly
at mid off, reaching for it but not quite there
End of over 4 (4 runs) Canterbury 10/0 (RR: 2.50)
BE Hefford 2-0-5-0 - Embankment End
NJ Astle 1* (13b) BJK Doody 7* (12b 1x4)
4.1 Thompson to Astle, OUT: full ball wide outside off stump, Astle
goes for a huge drive, gets a massive thick edge that flies
straight down the throat of Kelly at third man
Canterbury 10/1, Partnership of 10
NJ Astle c Kelly b Thompson 1 (14b 0x4 0x6)
BJK Doody 7* (12b 1x4) EP Thompson 2.1-0-4-1 (1nb)
an opportune wicket for Central, and what a wicket it is too, the
tight early start has paid dividends
Aaron Redmond the new batsman
4.2 Thompson to Redmond, no run, shortish ball, hops on the crease,
defending down in close on the leg side of the pitch
4.3 Thompson to Redmond, no run, shortish straight ball, hops right
back in the crease, dead bat defending it at his feet
4.4 Thompson to Redmond, no run, shapes to defend but holds back,
shouldering arms outside off stump
4.5 Thompson to Redmond, no run, lovely ball! on a good length, Redmond
knows little about that, squared around trying to work it to leg,
gets a leading edge away to Sulzberger in the covers
4.6 Thompson to Redmond, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump,
there ends a wicket maiden as Central are firmly on top in this
opening stanza
End of over 5 (maiden) Canterbury 10/1 (RR: 2.00)
EP Thompson 3-1-4-1 (1nb) - Centennial Stand End
BJK Doody 7* (12b 1x4) AJ Redmond 0* (5b)
5.1 Hefford to Doody, no run, forward, defends back on the leg side of
the pitch
5.2 Hefford to Doody, no run, forward, defending once more with a high,
straight blade back up towards mid off
5.3 Hefford to Doody, no run, half forward, uncertainly plays at one
coming back in, inside edging into the thigh pad, rebounds away
into the gully
5.4 Hefford to Doody, no run, full ball outside off stump, played
firmly into the ground up towards mid off, Sulzberger intercepts
from cover
5.5 Hefford to Doody, no run, half forward, drives and misses, struck
on the pad and draws a big appeal that is quickly stifled from
Hefford, umpire Watkin not interested, a touch high perhaps
5.6 Hefford to Doody, no run, works a ball off the hip down towards
square leg, they're looking for the single but Smith dives across
to stop it well, firing at the bowler's end as Redmond slides back
into his crease
End of over 6 (maiden) Canterbury 10/1 (RR: 1.67)
BE Hefford 3-1-5-0 - Embankment End
AJ Redmond 0* (5b) BJK Doody 7* (18b 1x4)
consecutive maidens, not quite the start Canterbury were after
having won the toss
6.1 Thompson to Redmond, no run, props forward in defence, playing back
up on the off side of the pitch
6.2 Thompson to Redmond, no run, full ball outside off stump, Redmond
quickly latches on to it, powerfully punching it into the covers,
but directly to Sulzberger
6.3 Thompson to Redmond, no run, forward, firmly strokes it directly to
Douglas at point, picking off the fielding ring
6.4 Thompson to Redmond, no run, defends a much straighter ball on a
good length up to Oram at mid on
6.5 Thompson to Redmond, no run, forward, watchfully taps one down
backward of point, Douglas across to field
6.6 Thompson to Redmond, one run, short ball outside off stump, leans
back and cuts down to Kelly at third man, Canterbury's first run
in 19 deliveries
End of over 7 (1 run) Canterbury 11/1 (RR: 1.57)
EP Thompson 4-1-5-1 (1nb) - Centennial Stand End
AJ Redmond 1* (11b) BJK Doody 7* (18b 1x4)
7.1 Hefford to Redmond, one run, shortish ball, hops back in the crease
to nudge it up on the leg side of the pitch, excellent running to
eye the single with the shot as the bowler and Kelly from mid on
advance to it to no avail
7.2 Hefford to Doody, OUT: dear oh dear, Doody charges down the track
trying to get things going, picks completely the wrong ball to do
it to, a short lifter, ends up spooning up the simplest of catches
to Oram at mid on
Canterbury 12/2, Partnership of 2
BJK Doody c Oram b Hefford 7 (19b 1x4 0x6)
AJ Redmond 2* (12b) BE Hefford 3.2-1-6-1
two words for that one, dumb cricket, Canterbury have already dug
themselves an early hole, though not quite yet of West Indian
proportions of last evening ...
Craig McMillan the new batsman
7.3 Hefford to McMillan, no run, stretches well forward, leaning on it
in defence away towards point, Smith and Sulzberger converge to
field
7.4 Hefford to McMillan, no run, full ball, firmly drives along the
ground straight up to Oram at mid off
7.5 Hefford to McMillan, no run, forward, looks to work a straight ball
on off stump to leg, taken high on the pad and trickles down to
Spearman at slip
7.6 Hefford to McMillan, no run, well forward, dead bat defends it with
bat/pad tucked together down into the covers
End of over 8 (1 run) Canterbury 12/2 (RR: 1.50)
BE Hefford 4-1-6-1 - Embankment End
AJ Redmond 2* (12b) CD McMillan 0* (4b)
8.1 Thompson to Redmond, no run, short rising ball outside off stump,
Redmond has a lazy dabble at it, trying to cut it away through
backward point but with no genuine authority
8.2 Thompson to Redmond, no run, good straight ball, keeps Redmond well
tucked up, defending from the crease standing tall, playing back
down the pitch to Thompson on his follow through
8.3 Thompson to Redmond, no run, oooh dear oh dear, has a big swing and
miss from the crease, a mighty heave in no man's land, lucky not
to get an edge to it
panic creeping into the Canterbury top order so early on, dangerous
signs of an upset brewing if this continues
8.4 Thompson to Redmond, no run, forward, guides a shortish ball down
to Douglas at backward point
8.5 Thompson to Redmond, one run, similar ball, this time he manages to
run it away just behind Douglas, Kelly around to field from third
man
8.6 Thompson to McMillan, one run, shortish ball, hops back in the
crease, opening the face to guide it down to Kelly again
End of over 9 (2 runs) Canterbury 14/2 (RR: 1.56)
EP Thompson 5-1-7-1 (1nb) - Centennial Stand End
CD McMillan 1* (5b) AJ Redmond 3* (17b)
9.1 Hefford to McMillan, no run, short ball outside off stump, guides
it down into the ground, away to Sinclair in the gully on the
bounce
9.2 Hefford to McMillan, one run, tucks one off the hip away to vacant
midwicket, easy run with the shot on offer as Douglas has to field
from square leg
9.3 Hefford to Redmond, no run, tries to whip a full ball away off his
legs through square leg but misses, cannons into the base of the
pads
9.4 Hefford to Redmond, legbye: three runs, angling down the leg side,
glanced off the hip between the keeper and Schwass at short fine
leg who has to give chase, sliding into it just inside the rope,
McMillan sprints back for the third
9.5 Hefford to McMillan, no run, quietly pushes up towards Oram at wide
mid off in defence
9.6 Hefford to McMillan, one run, walks forward into the shot, able to
work one away towards vacant midwicket to grab the easy single
with the shot
End of over 10 (5 runs) Canterbury 19/2 (RR: 1.90)
BE Hefford 5-1-8-1 - Embankment End
CD McMillan 3* (9b) AJ Redmond 3* (19b)
10.1 Thompson to McMillan, no run, pokes forward in defence to a good
ball sliding past the outside edge through to the keeper, a
nothing shot trying to run it away, wasn't up to anything
10.2 Thompson to McMillan, no run, short rising straight ball, McMillan
hops back and across in behind it, dropping it down in close on
the off side, having to yell a loud 'no!' to partner Redmond who
was keep to try and sneak the single, Sulzberger in quickly to
field
10.3 Thompson to McMillan, two runs, drifts down the leg side, well
picked off the legs through backward square leg, McMillan sprints
back for the second, taking on the field and doing it well, as
Hefford came around from long leg to field, the return is well
wide
10.4 Thompson to McMillan, FOUR, down the track, smacks it hard low in
the air wide of the bowler and straight of Schwass at mid off,
crashes into the straight boundary hoardings
a good pressure releaser that, Thompson overpitching,
overcompensating after the previous delivery strayed
10.5 Thompson to McMillan, no run, much better follow up ball, tight on
off stump and McMillan can only tap it down in close on the off
side
10.6 Thompson to McMillan, one run, full ball outside off stump,
squeezed out through to vacant extra cover, easy single on offer
as Schwass fields from straight mid off
End of over 11 (7 runs) Canterbury 26/2 (RR: 2.36)
EP Thompson 6-1-14-1 (1nb) - Centennial Stand End
CD McMillan 10* (15b 1x4) AJ Redmond 3* (19b)
11.1 Hefford to McMillan, no run, tight ball on off stump, defends down
into the covers, Sulzberger fields
11.2 Hefford to McMillan, one run, straight short ball, worked off the
back foot up towards Kelly at wide mid on, easy run taken with the
stroke
now no slip in place for either batsman, such is how much McMillan
has changed the direction of this early period in just a couple of
overs
11.3 Hefford to Redmond, no run, forward, defends away towards Smith at
point
11.4 Hefford to Redmond, no run, tight ball on off stump, tries to cut
it away through the covers but there's not enough leverage,
chopped down into the ground, directly to Smith at point
11.5 Hefford to Redmond, FOUR, overpitched wide outside off stump, this
time he gets the desired result, square driving perfectly just
wide of Smith through backward point, no chance for Thompson from
third man to get around and cut it off
11.6 Hefford to Redmond, no run, hops forward out of the crease, guides
a slightly slower ball down into the gully
End of over 12 (5 runs) Canterbury 31/2 (RR: 2.58)
BE Hefford 6-1-13-1 - Embankment End
CD McMillan 11* (17b 1x4) AJ Redmond 7* (23b 1x4)
12.1 Thompson to McMillan, no run, shortish rising ball on middle stump,
McMillan fends it down towards wide midwicket, Redmond has to
shuffle back at the bowler's end as no quick run is on offer with
the field quickly to it
12.2 Thompson to McMillan, one run, nudges a similar ball squarer, just
drifting a bit further down leg, able to be worked into the gap at
midwicket for the easy single
12.3 Thompson to Redmond, no run, short ball outside off stump, slapped
down from a fair height backward of point, can't get it past Smith
diving to his left, stopping it on the second bounce
12.4 Thompson to Redmond, no run, strongly plays it squarer, Redmond
looking for the quick run again but Smith is quick to pounce on
it, firing at the keeper's end as Redmond just slides home, the
ball bouncing over the stumps
McMillan comes down the track, giving Redmond a word or two of
advice about running between the wickets as a result
12.5 Thompson to Redmond, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, cut
down to Sinclair in the gully on the bounce
12.6 Thompson to Redmond, no run, similar again, leans back on it,
guiding it down to Sinclair in the gully
End of over 13 (1 run) Canterbury 32/2 (RR: 2.46)
EP Thompson 7-1-15-1 (1nb) - Centennial Stand End
CD McMillan 12* (19b 1x4) AJ Redmond 7* (27b 1x4)
first bowling change after 13 overs, Andrew Schwass on for Hefford
at the Embankment End
13.1 Schwass to McMillan, wide: no run, short ball well down the leg
side, McMillan doesn't even make a serious attempt at chasing it
13.1 Schwass to McMillan, two runs, overpitched down the leg side, well
picked off the legs down through backward square leg, Douglas
around to field from deep square leg, time for a leisurely second
to be jogged by McMillan
13.2 Schwass to McMillan, one run, shortish ball, back and nudges it
down on the leg side, wide open space inside the circle on the leg
side now, easy runs on offer
13.3 Schwass to Redmond, no run, good tight ball on off stump, steps
forward and dead bat defends it with a straight bat presented well
in front of the body
13.4 Schwass to Redmond, two runs, a shade more width and Redmond is
able to use it, deftly running it fine off the face wide of the
keep through the vacant slips, Thompson slides around from third
man to fire back a strong return well over the stumps
13.5 Schwass to Redmond, no run, stretches forward, defends a tight
straight ball back up the pitch to the bowler
13.6 Schwass to Redmond, one run, forward, guides a shortish ball
outside off stump down to Thompson at third man
End of over 14 (7 runs) Canterbury 39/2 (RR: 2.79)
AM Schwass 1-0-7-0 (1w) - Embankment End
AJ Redmond 10* (31b 1x4) CD McMillan 15* (21b 1x4)
Jacob Oram brings himself on at the other end in a double change,
replacing Thompson after a very useful opening spell
14.1 Oram to Redmond, one run, jumps right back in the crease to sweetly
run a short of a length ball down to Kelly at third man off the
face
14.2 Oram to McMillan, no run, beaten! Oram pushes one through fuller
and flatter, McMillan is left poking at it awkwardly but never
quite to it, through to Griggs as it keeps low
14.3 Oram to McMillan, no run, forward, firmly defends into the ground,
bouncing away to Douglas at point
14.4 Oram to McMillan, no run, short ball outside off stump, McMillan
steps back and tries to cut but plays and misses
14.5 Oram to McMillan, one run, shortish ball on leg stump, tucked off
the hip down through backward square leg, good quick run taken
with the shot as Smith's across to his right to field
14.6 Oram to Redmond, one run, very full ball outside off stump,
squeezed out up towards extra cover, another single extracted as
Thompson has to field across from mid off
End of over 15 (3 runs) Canterbury 42/2 (RR: 2.80)
JDP Oram 1-0-3-0 - Centennial Stand End
AJ Redmond 12* (33b 1x4) CD McMillan 16* (25b 1x4)
15.1 Schwass to Redmond, no run, full and straight, firmly driven
straight up to Kelly at mid on
15.2 Schwass to Redmond, no run, full outside off stump, strongly driven
up to Oram at mid off
15.3 Schwass to Redmond, OUT: hops back in the crease to one pushed
quicker through on him, taken on the pad and Schwass charges
through appealing as he goes, up goes the finger quick as a flash,
Redmond well and truly trapped
Canterbury 42/3, Partnership of 30
AJ Redmond lbw b Schwass 12 (36b 1x4 0x6)
CD McMillan 16* (25b 1x4) AM Schwass 1.3-0-7-1 (1w)
just when he and McMillan were starting to build up some momentum
it is shattered and the home team hold down the clamps
drinks are brought on at the fall of the wicket, as the new
batsman, captain Gary Stead, joins McMillan at the crease
15.4 Schwass to Stead, no run, full ball outside off stump, strongly
driven straight up to Oram at mid off
15.5 Schwass to Stead, two runs, driven straight up the ground on the
leg side, Douglas has to chase from mid on, Stead off the mark
15.6 Schwass to Stead, no run, defends from the crease down into the
covers
End of over 16 (2 runs) Canterbury 44/3 (RR: 2.75)
AM Schwass 2-0-9-1 (1w) - Embankment End
CD McMillan 16* (25b 1x4) GR Stead 2* (3b)
16.1 Oram to McMillan, no run, tight ball on off stump, firmly defends
into the ground away to Douglas at backward point
16.2 Oram to McMillan, no run, lovely ball! shuffles across the crease
into it, fizzling past the outside edge left groping
16.3 Oram to McMillan, no run, angling down the leg side, brushed off
the pad down to Griggs behind the stumps
16.4 Oram to McMillan, one run, shortish ball outside off stump, cut
down through to Sinclair at third man
16.5 Oram to Stead, no run, tight straight ball, Stead hops back,
squared around in defending it away towards Kelly at point
16.6 Oram to Stead, one run, hops on the crease to a shortish ball
angling down leg, somewhat surprised by it, inside edging down
through backward square leg for a single
End of over 17 (2 runs) Canterbury 46/3 (RR: 2.71)
JDP Oram 2-0-5-0 - Centennial Stand End
GR Stead 3* (5b) CD McMillan 17* (29b 1x4)
17.1 Schwass to Stead, no run, full ball on the toes, driven straight up
to Douglas at mid on
17.2 Schwass to Stead, wide: no run, a rare ball strays down the leg
side, Stead leaves it alone through to the keeper for the free run
17.2 Schwass to Stead, no run, shortish ball, goes back then shuffles
forward to defend it down towards Smith at cover point
17.3 Schwass to Stead, no run, straight ball, defends from the crease
back up the pitch on the off side to the bowler
17.4 Schwass to Stead, no run, shortish ball, defends from the crease
once more, played down to Spearman at midwicket
17.5 Schwass to Stead, no run, Schwass forces Stead back once more,
tries to work it to leg but it's too straight, squared around in
defending back to the bowler
17.6 Schwass to Stead, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, has a
dabble but only manages an underedge, down through to the keeper
End of over 18 (1 run) Canterbury 47/3 (RR: 2.61)
AM Schwass 3-0-10-1 (2w) - Embankment End
CD McMillan 17* (29b 1x4) GR Stead 3* (11b)
18.1 Oram to McMillan, no run, tight ball on off stump, defends down
into the covers, Sulzberger fields
18.2 Oram to McMillan, no run, full ball, squeezed down to Thompson at
mid on
18.3 Oram to McMillan, no run, jumps down the track, dabbles and misses
as he's caught short by a good rising ball to greet him
18.4 Oram to McMillan, no run, full outside off stump, strongly driven
but straight to Sulzberger in the covers
18.5 Oram to McMillan, no run, full ball outside off stump, firmly
defends into the ground away to Sinclair roaming at backward
point, looking for the quick run but it's not there
18.6 Oram to McMillan, OUT: McMillan is pegged down so well by Oram that
this time he plays all around it, clips the off stump and off drop
the bails, Central turn the screws even further
Canterbury 47/4, Partnership of 5
CD McMillan b Oram 17 (35b 1x4 0x6)
End of over 19 (maiden) Canterbury 47/4 (RR: 2.47)
JDP Oram 3-1-5-1 - Centennial Stand End
GR Stead 3* (11b)
McMillan got off to a bright and breezy start, but continued tight
bowling didn't provide him with either the width to free the arms
nor the gaps to consistently work the field for singles, his
frustration told in that over and in the end walks off the
park after a rather tame dismissal
Chris Harris the new batsman
19.1 Schwass to Stead, no run, good full ball, squeezed back down the
pitch to the bowler who picks up sharply on the follow through,
threatening to throw back on to the stumps as Stead hovers out of
his crease
19.2 Schwass to Stead, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, guided
down to Sinclair at backward point
19.3 Schwass to Stead, no run, shuffles back and across to off stump,
getting in behind it in defence, playing up to Oram at mid off
19.4 Schwass to Stead, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, runs it
away down to Sinclair at backward point
19.5 Schwass to Stead, no run, props well forward, dead bat defends down
in close on the off side of the pitch
19.6 Schwass to Stead, one run, jumps back in the crease, stroking away
through cover point for an easy single
End of over 20 (1 run) Canterbury 48/4 (RR: 2.40)
AM Schwass 4-0-11-1 (2w) - Embankment End
GR Stead 4* (17b) CZ Harris 0* (0b)
20.1 Oram to Stead, no run, jumps across to off stump, guiding down to
Kelly at backward point
20.2 Oram to Stead, one run, overpitched on the legs, clipped down to
Sinclair at long leg
20.3 Oram to Harris, no run, forward, works a straight ball off his legs
towards forward square leg, Kelly across to field from squarer
20.4 Oram to Harris, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump
20.5 Oram to Harris, no run, jumps forward into a defensive nudge, away
to Smith at point
20.6 Oram to Harris, no run, forward, works it around the corner to
Kelly at backward square leg
End of over 21 (1 run) Canterbury 49/4 (RR: 2.33)
JDP Oram 4-1-6-1 - Centennial Stand End
GR Stead 5* (19b) CZ Harris 0* (4b)
just 7 runs off the last 6 (5 off the last 5, 3 off the last 4),
Canterbury have themselves well and truly stuck in a deep pit of
quicksand
21.1 Schwass to Stead, two runs, overpitched outside off stump, firmly
driven through the gap at cover, time for two and at long last,
128 balls to be precise, Canterbury post their 50
21.2 Schwass to Stead, no run, shortish ball, guided down backward of
point to Sinclair
21.3 Schwass to Stead, no run, similar again, comes half forward to
defend it from a height, guiding it down backward of point
21.4 Schwass to Stead, one run, shortish ball, hops right back in the
crease, awkwardly working it down through backward square leg for
a run
21.5 Schwass to Harris, no run, steps forward out of the crease to meet
a full ball, firmly pushing it straight back down the pitch to the
bowler
21.6 Schwass to Harris, no run, advances a couple of paces well forward,
sweetly driving but straight up to Oram at mid on
End of over 22 (3 runs) Canterbury 52/4 (RR: 2.36)
AM Schwass 5-0-14-1 (2w) - Embankment End
GR Stead 8* (23b) CZ Harris 0* (6b)
Glen Sulzberger replaces Oram after 4 tight overs at the Centennial
Stand End, including the wicket of McMillan
22.1 Sulzberger to Stead, no run, flighted up full, firmly stroked
directly to Oram at extra cover
22.2 Sulzberger to Stead, no run, shuffles on the crease, looking to
work it away, but only manages to nudge it directly to Sinclair at
backward point
22.3 Sulzberger to Stead, three runs, short ball, pushed through a bit
quicker though so Stead's attempt to punish through midwicket ends
up being more edgily played down through fine of short fine leg,
well chased down by Spearman who slides to save inside the rope
22.4 Sulzberger to Harris, no run, tapped away backward of point to
Douglas
22.5 Sulzberger to Harris, no run, full toss, Harris can't cash in at
all, playing it straight back to the bowler
22.6 Sulzberger to Harris, no run, forward, strokes back on the off side
of the pitch, Canterbury just can't get the ball away cleanly into
gaps
End of over 23 (3 runs) Canterbury 55/4 (RR: 2.39)
GP Sulzberger 1-0-3-0 - Centennial Stand End
GR Stead 11* (26b) CZ Harris 0* (9b)
23.1 Schwass to Stead, no run, full and straight, driven up to Douglas
at mid on
23.2 Schwass to Stead, no run, well forward, firmly driven with
assurance, but again straight up to a fielder, this time Oram at
mid off
23.3 Schwass to Stead, one run, firmly pushed up towards wide mid off,
this time setting off for a sharp single with the shot, Oram has
to move to his left, has a shy and just misses, could've been
close as Stead slid home, but probably safe
23.4 Schwass to Harris, no run, driven up towards Oram at wide mid on, a
similar single prevented this time by Sulzberger faking the
intercept from wide midwicket
23.5 Schwass to Harris, no run, tight ball on off stump, guided away
down to Kelly at point
23.6 Schwass to Harris, no run, drawn well forward, defends into the
covers to Spearman
End of over 24 (1 run) Canterbury 56/4 (RR: 2.33)
AM Schwass 6-0-15-1 (2w) - Embankment End
GR Stead 12* (29b) CZ Harris 0* (12b)
24.1 Sulzberger to Stead, OUT: and another one bites the dust,
Canterbury's woeful effort continues, Stead tries to sweep, gets
struck full on the pad low down, big appeal for lbw, a long look
from umpire Hill and finally given
Canterbury 56/5, Partnership of 9
GR Stead lbw b Sulzberger 12 (30b 0x4 0x6)
CZ Harris 0* (12b) GP Sulzberger 1.1-0-3-1
couldn't judge for turn as it hit him full, going straight, a fair
decision, though Stead was stretched forward, however probably
deserved what he got playing that shot and missing
wicket-keeper Gareth Hopkins comes in before the halfway stage, not
quite the desired situation for a number 7 batsman, however handy
he may be
24.2 Sulzberger to Hopkins, no run, stretches well forward, defending
down at his feet, Griggs tidies up from behind the stumps
24.3 Sulzberger to Hopkins, no run, forward, defends away forward of
square on the leg side, Douglas in to field from the circle edge
24.4 Sulzberger to Hopkins, no run, oh dear, Hopkins tries his darndest
to become the latest victim, a flat and very full ball, tries to
dig down on it, misses jamming it into the deck, into the keeper's
body, not far from off stump
24.5 Sulzberger to Hopkins, no run, reaching to defend away towards
Sinclair at cover point
24.6 Sulzberger to Hopkins, no run, forward, drives firmly to extra
cover, a wicket maiden completed by Sulzberger
End of over 25 (maiden) Canterbury 56/5 (RR: 2.24)
GP Sulzberger 2-1-3-1 - Centennial Stand End
CZ Harris 0* (12b) GJ Hopkins 0* (5b)
Canterbury hit the halfway stage with their pulse barely
registering a beat, truly awful cricket thus far in the face of
consistent bowling, though nothing of any special or rare quality
that should see a side 5 down for so few at this point in the game
Oram returns, replacing Schwass at the Embankment End
25.1 Oram to Harris, no run, taken high on the pad, squared around,
drops down into the gully
25.2 Oram to Harris, one run, full ball, driven up wide of mid on, quick
run taken with the shot, off the mark after 14 deliveries
25.3 Oram to Hopkins, no run, comes forward to get in behind the line of
it in defence, away to Smith at cover point
25.4 Oram to Hopkins, no run, shortish ball on off stump, defends down
on the off side of the pitch, Sulzberger in to field from extra
cover
25.5 Oram to Hopkins, no run, similarly tight ball, this time stands
tall on the crease to defend back down the pitch on the off side
25.6 Oram to Hopkins, no run, watchfully forward, defends firmly back
down the pitch, Oram lazily kicks it away as the cover is
completed
End of over 26 (1 run) Canterbury 57/5 (RR: 2.19)
JDP Oram 5-1-7-1 - Embankment End
CZ Harris 1* (14b) GJ Hopkins 0* (9b)
26.1 Sulzberger to Harris, one run, forward, works a shortish ball away
forward of square leg, Sinclair across to field but not before the
run is easily milked
26.2 Sulzberger to Hopkins, no run, forward, turns a full ball away
straight to Douglas at forward square leg
26.3 Sulzberger to Hopkins, no run, cuts and misses a flat ball pushed
through quicker outside off stump
26.4 Sulzberger to Hopkins, no run, flighted straight ball, driven
straight out to Spearman at wide midwicket
26.5 Sulzberger to Hopkins, wide: no run, short and pushed through flat
down the leg side, tries to whip it away but misses, marginal wide
call
26.5 Sulzberger to Hopkins, no run, similar, but this time the leg is in
the way, taken on the thigh pad and drops down in close on the leg
side
26.6 Sulzberger to Hopkins, one run, at last Hopkins gets bat to ball,
turning another ball of similar ilk down through to deep backward
square leg
End of over 27 (3 runs) Canterbury 60/5 (RR: 2.22)
GP Sulzberger 3-1-6-1 (1w) - Centennial Stand End
GJ Hopkins 1* (14b) CZ Harris 2* (15b)
27.1 Oram to Hopkins, FOUR, and not an auspicious return for the
captain, short and wide outside off stump, laid away through
backward point, beats the poor dive of Thompson coming around the
boundary from third man, letting the ball go over the rope with
him
27.2 Oram to Hopkins, no run, firmly driven straight up to mid off
27.3 Oram to Hopkins, no run, firmly clipped off the legs straight to
Spearman at shortish midwicket
27.4 Oram to Hopkins, no run, shortish ball, much slower, Hopkins is
left waiting for it, and can only weakly guide it down to Sinclair
at backward point
27.5 Oram to Hopkins, no run, strongly driven straight to Sulzberger
hovering in the covers and fielding well on the run, can't steal a
quick run there
27.6 Oram to Hopkins, no run, watchfully forward, pushes it away quietly
towards point, Sinclair across to field again
End of over 28 (4 runs) Canterbury 64/5 (RR: 2.29)
JDP Oram 6-1-11-1 - Embankment End
CZ Harris 2* (15b) GJ Hopkins 5* (20b 1x4)
28.1 Sulzberger to Harris, no run, flighted very full on the toes,
mistimed stroke played away to Oram at midwicket
28.2 Sulzberger to Harris, no run, flighted full outside off stump,
firmly driven straight to Spearman at cover
28.3 Sulzberger to Harris, no run, tries to sweep across the line,
cannons into the pad outside off stump, rebounding back to the
bowler
28.4 Sulzberger to Harris, no run, watchfully drawn forward, worked up
towards mid on, Hefford up from the circle edge to quickly field
28.5 Sulzberger to Harris, no run, goes for a big sweep to a quick, full
ball outside off stump, again taken on the pad, half shout quickly
stifled by Sulzberger
28.6 Sulzberger to Harris, one run, flighted full outside off stump,
sweetly driven out through vacant cover, but Smith is sweeping out
there and they can't get any more than one
End of over 29 (1 run) Canterbury 65/5 (RR: 2.24)
GP Sulzberger 4-1-7-1 (1w) - Centennial Stand End
CZ Harris 3* (21b) GJ Hopkins 5* (20b 1x4)
29.1 Oram to Harris, one run, jumps down the track looking to drive
straight down the ground, but it's full and tight, inside edges
into the pad and drops down in close on the off side for a run as
the field is set a bit deep inside the circle
29.2 Oram to Hopkins, one run, short ball outside off stump, stands back
and low to slash it in the air away to Smith at deep cover,
fielding on the second bounce
29.3 Oram to Harris, two runs, shortish ball, worked around the corner
through backward square leg, a long chase in for Smith from the
deep, super running by Harris to sprint back for the second safely
29.4 Oram to Harris, no run, defends down a good ball to Sulzberger at
midwicket
29.5 Oram to Harris, one run, shorter and drifting just a little down
leg, well worked off the hip out through to Smith at deep square
leg
29.6 Oram to Hopkins, one run, short ball, pulled strongly down to
Hefford at long leg
End of over 30 (6 runs) Canterbury 71/5 (RR: 2.37)
JDP Oram 7-1-17-1 - Embankment End
GJ Hopkins 7* (22b 1x4) CZ Harris 7* (25b)
30.1 Sulzberger to Hopkins, OUT: dear oh dear oh dear, Hopkins shuffles
right across outside off stump, tries to work one around the
corner but gets an inside edge on to the thigh pad sticking right
out from the body, deflecting back on to the leg stump!
Canterbury 71/6, Partnership of 15
GJ Hopkins b Sulzberger 7 (23b 1x4 0x6)
CZ Harris 7* (25b) GP Sulzberger 4.1-1-7-2 (1w)
Central Districts looking to bowl out their third side for under
100 this season at this present rate
Carl Anderson the new batsman
30.2 Sulzberger to Anderson, no run, well forward, defends down in close
on the leg side
30.3 Sulzberger to Anderson, no run, forward, defends down to Douglas at
forward square leg
30.4 Sulzberger to Anderson, no run, forward, defends backward of point
to Sinclair
30.5 Sulzberger to Anderson, no run, forward, pushed straight back along
the pitch to the bowler
30.6 Sulzberger to Anderson, no run, dabbed away backward of point,
straight to Kelly at short third man, and that completes a wicket
maiden for Sulzberger
End of over 31 (maiden) Canterbury 71/6 (RR: 2.29)
GP Sulzberger 5-2-7-2 (1w) - Centennial Stand End
CZ Harris 7* (25b) CJ Anderson 0* (5b)
Thompson returns, replacing Oram at the Embankment End
31.1 Thompson to Harris, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, comes
well forward to stroke it down to Spearman at cover
31.2 Thompson to Harris, no run, hops on the crease to defend a short
rising ball outside off stump down to Sinclair at backward point
31.3 Thompson to Harris, one run, shortish straighter ball, turns it
down towards midwicket, run taken with the shot as Sulzberger
fields from straighter
31.4 Thompson to Anderson, no run, jumps right back and across in behind
it in front of off stump, defending away to Sulzberger at extra
cover
31.5 Thompson to Anderson, no run, forward, pushes back up on the off
side of the pitch in defence
31.6 Thompson to Anderson, no run, similarly defends in close on the off
side of the pitch
End of over 32 (1 run) Canterbury 72/6 (RR: 2.25)
EP Thompson 8-1-16-1 (1nb) - Embankment End
CZ Harris 8* (28b) CJ Anderson 0* (8b)
32.1 Sulzberger to Harris, one run, nudges one away to vacant cover for
an easy run with the shot, Douglas across to field from point
32.2 Sulzberger to Anderson, no run, flighted full and straight,
Anderson reaches well forward, turning it away to Douglas at
midwicket
32.3 Sulzberger to Anderson, no run, similar again, this one is
straighter on off stump, defends solidly with bat/pad together
back down the pitch
32.4 Sulzberger to Anderson, no run, props well forward, defends away
towards Oram in the covers
32.5 Sulzberger to Anderson, FOUR, flighted full, has a big swing,
doesn't quite get it where he intended, looking to play
straighter, drags it around just over the head of Douglas leaping
at midwicket, teases the chaser from wide mid on, away to the
boundary
32.6 Sulzberger to Anderson, no run, stretches forward then sits back to
lay one away outside off stump, plays and misses
End of over 33 (5 runs) Canterbury 77/6 (RR: 2.33)
GP Sulzberger 6-2-12-2 (1w) - Centennial Stand End
CZ Harris 9* (29b) CJ Anderson 4* (13b 1x4)
33.1 Thompson to Harris, one run, short climbing ball, pulled away
through backward square leg, fielded in the deep on the bounce at
ankle height by Smith
33.2 Thompson to Anderson, one run, shortish ball, stroked down through
vacant cover with no great power, they look for a second as two
fielders go after it, Harris sends Anderson back who was more keen
for the run
33.3 Thompson to Harris, one run, props forward, drops one away to
vacant square leg for the easiest of singles
33.4 Thompson to Anderson, one run, shortish ball, worked off the hip
down through backward square leg, Hefford around from long leg to
field
33.5 Thompson to Harris, three runs, short ball, Harris goes for a big
pull shot, lofting it hard and high in the over wide midwicket,
pitches a few metres inside the boundary and stops, Anderson
scampers back for the third as Smith has to field from deep
midwicket
33.6 Thompson to Anderson, one run, nudged down towards cover point,
tight single taken as Harris dives home at the keeper's end, just
beating the shy at the stumps which misses
End of over 34 (8 runs) Canterbury 85/6 (RR: 2.50)
EP Thompson 9-1-24-1 (1nb) - Embankment End
CJ Anderson 7* (16b 1x4) CZ Harris 14* (32b)
the most expensive over of the innings, a mere 8 runs coming off
the 34th
34.1 Sulzberger to Anderson, no run, flighted up outside off stump,
watchfully pushed back along the pitch to Sulzberger
34.2 Sulzberger to Anderson, no run, shortish ball, back in the crease,
works it away to wide mid on where Spearman fields
34.3 Sulzberger to Anderson, FOUR, good clean blow, Anderson launches it
down the ground, straight of Hefford at mid off, one of the few
authoritative shots by any of the Canterbury batsmen today
34.4 Sulzberger to Anderson, no run, tapped away down to Kelly at short
third man on the circle edge
34.5 Sulzberger to Anderson, no run, reaching forward, looking to work a
straight one to leg, taken on the pad, a small half cry is let out
by Sulzberger
34.6 Sulzberger to Anderson, no run, angling on leg stump, brushes the
pad as he tries to work it away, down to Thompson at short fine
leg
End of over 35 (4 runs) Canterbury 89/6 (RR: 2.54)
GP Sulzberger 7-2-16-2 (1w) - Centennial Stand End
CZ Harris 14* (32b) CJ Anderson 11* (22b 2x4)
Thompson to complete his last over of his allotment
35.1 Thompson to Harris, one run, full ball down the leg side, neatly
clipped away down to Schwass at long leg
35.2 Thompson to Anderson, no run, reaching forward in defence, played
down quietly towards cover point, Smith scoots across to field
35.3 Thompson to Anderson, no run, forward, defends back on the off side
of the pitch, Sulzberger in from extra cover to intercept before
the bowler
35.4 Thompson to Anderson, FOUR, full ball on the toes, Anderson has
another heave and drags this one over vacant midwicket, Kelly
valiantly chases from square leg but can't cut it off on this
short square boundary
35.5 Thompson to Anderson, FOUR, shot of the day so far, of what few
there have been to choose from, overpitched outside off stump,
superbly off driven wide of Oram at mid off, a collection job
Anderson with a handy cameo here, and that shot takes him to top
score in the innings
35.6 Thompson to Anderson, no run, forward, pushes up to Oram at mid off
in defence
End of over 36 (9 runs) Canterbury 98/6 (RR: 2.72)
EP Thompson 10-1-33-1 (1nb) - Embankment End
CZ Harris 15* (33b) CJ Anderson 19* (27b 4x4)
time for a drinks break, with Canterbury no better placed than they
were when the first set of refreshments were taken
36.1 Sulzberger to Harris, no run, stretches well forward, defends down
a ball to Douglas at short backward point
36.2 Sulzberger to Harris, no run, forward, taps it down backward of
point to Douglas again
36.3 Sulzberger to Harris, one run, low full ball, lapped strongly
around the corner out to Kelly at long leg
36.4 Sulzberger to Anderson, one run, shortish ball, taps it down in
close on the off side, quick run taken with the shot to bring up
Canterbury's laboured 100 off 221 balls
36.5 Sulzberger to Harris, one run, swept away crisply through backward
square leg, Kelly fields in the deep
36.6 Sulzberger to Anderson, no run, forward, defends back on the off
side of the pitch
End of over 37 (3 runs) Canterbury 101/6 (RR: 2.73)
GP Sulzberger 8-2-19-2 (1w) - Centennial Stand End
CZ Harris 17* (37b) CJ Anderson 20* (29b 4x4)
Schwass returns, replacing Thompson who has bowled out his overs at
the Embankment End
37.1 Schwass to Harris, no run, good quick full ball on the toes, Harris
digs it out back to the bowler leaping up to take the 'catch',
threatens to throw it back on to the stumps as Harris hovers out
of his crease but holds on to it
37.2 Schwass to Harris, legbye: three runs, shortish ball down the leg
side, glanced off the thigh pad just wide of the keeper, Thompson
has to chase from short fine leg
37.3 Schwass to Anderson, one run, dipping full toss, strongly driven
back down the ground on the off side, Sulzberger in from long off
to field
37.4 Schwass to Harris, no run, props forward, guiding one away towards
point, both batsmen looking for the quick run but Sinclair scoots
across from behind square to force a 'no!' call from Harris
37.5 Schwass to Harris, no run, forward, defends back down the off side
of the pitch to the bowler
37.6 Schwass to Harris, one run, shortish ball, tucked off the hip out
through square leg, Smith in from the deep to field
End of over 38 (5 runs) Canterbury 106/6 (RR: 2.79)
AM Schwass 7-0-17-1 (2w) - Embankment End
CZ Harris 18* (42b) CJ Anderson 21* (30b 4x4)
38.1 Sulzberger to Harris, legbye: one run, flighted up full outside off
stump, trying to sweep, misses, drops down in close on the leg
side from the pad, quick run taken with the shot
38.2 Sulzberger to Anderson, one run, flighted full again, driven from
the toes out to deep midwicket
38.3 Sulzberger to Harris, no run, drawn forward, pushes back up on the
leg side of the pitch, Harris hovers out of his crease looking for
the single but has to get back as Griggs yells 'keeper! keeper!'
for Sulzberger to fire it to him
38.4 Sulzberger to Harris, no run, again tries to sweep it around the
corner, rebounds up off the pad away to Douglas at backward point
38.5 Sulzberger to Harris, one run, flighted full, driven firmly
straight up the ground to Hefford at long on
38.6 Sulzberger to Anderson, no run, forward, defends watchfully back
down the pitch to the bowler
End of over 39 (3 runs) Canterbury 109/6 (RR: 2.79)
GP Sulzberger 9-2-21-2 (1w) - Centennial Stand End
CZ Harris 19* (46b) CJ Anderson 22* (32b 4x4)
39.1 Schwass to Harris, one run, shortish ball, driven straight up the
ground to Douglas at long off
39.2 Schwass to Anderson, no run, shortish ball outside off stump,
chopped down to Sinclair at backward point
39.3 Schwass to Anderson, no run, misplays a similar ball down to
backward point
39.4 Schwass to Anderson, one run, finds the gap this time, guiding it
down to Thompson at third man
39.5 Schwass to Harris, one run, shortish ball, stabs it away, lobbing
it in the air to vacant midwicket for an easy run
39.6 Schwass to Anderson, one run, very full ball, forcefully driven
down to Douglas at long on
End of over 40 (4 runs) Canterbury 113/6 (RR: 2.83)
AM Schwass 8-0-21-1 (2w) - Embankment End
CJ Anderson 24* (36b 4x4) CZ Harris 21* (48b)
40.1 Sulzberger to Anderson, one run, full ball down the leg side,
turned away out to Smith at deep backward square leg
40.2 Sulzberger to Harris, no run, full and flat outside off stump,
driven straight to Spearman at extra cover
40.3 Sulzberger to Harris, one run, swept from outside off stump down to
Sinclair at deep backward square leg
40.4 Sulzberger to Anderson, no run, reaching forward to a good teasing
length ball outside off stump, turning it down to Douglas at
midwicket
40.5 Sulzberger to Anderson, one run, full on the legs, driven out to
Schwass at deep midwicket, a single is walked
40.6 Sulzberger to Harris, one run, full on the toes, driven up towards
Hefford charging in from wide long on to keep them down to one
End of over 41 (4 runs) Canterbury 117/6 (RR: 2.85)
GP Sulzberger 10-2-25-2 (1w) - Centennial Stand End
CZ Harris 23* (51b) CJ Anderson 26* (39b 4x4)
Sulzberger finishes a fine 10 overs, taking 2-25
Oram brings himself back for a third spell, replacing Schwass at
the Embankment End
41.1 Oram to Harris, no run, full ball on off stump, jammed hard into
the ground, pops up to Spearman at extra cover who parries it down
at his toes
41.2 Oram to Harris, no run, similar again, this time played into the
pitch and back to the bowler leaping up to grab above his head
41.3 Oram to Harris, two runs, loopy full toss, picked up in the air
over vacant midwicket, Smith makes a regulation fielding blunder
trying, letting a slowly bouncing ball pass between his hands and
legs, has to turn and grab it, conceding the extra run
41.4 Oram to Harris, legbye: one run, tries to work one from off to leg,
taken on the pad as he came forward to turn it into a full toss,
appeal for lbw from the bowler alone as they amble the single as
it drops dead in close on the off side
41.5 Oram to Anderson, no run, good full ball outside off stump,
watchfully stroked back down the pitch on the off side
41.6 Oram to Anderson, one run, very low full toss angling on the legs,
turned out to Kelly at deep square leg
End of over 42 (4 runs) Canterbury 121/6 (RR: 2.88)
JDP Oram 8-1-20-1 - Embankment End
CJ Anderson 27* (41b 4x4) CZ Harris 25* (55b)
that brings up a 50 partnership between this pair off 71 balls,
giving some level of respectability to the total, but still not a
lot at this stage
Hefford returns, replacing Sulzberger who has bowled out at the
Centennial Stand End
42.1 Hefford to Anderson, one run, stretches forward, dropping one down
in close on the off side for a well taken sharp single, Oram back
hand flicks it at the bowler's end after coming in from extra
cover but can't beat Anderson home, misses anyway
42.2 Hefford to Harris, no run, walks forward into a misguided push
directly to Sulzberger at cover
42.3 Hefford to Harris, legbye: one run, shortish ball, dropped down off
the thigh pad square on the leg side, quick run taken as
Sinclair's across to field
42.4 Hefford to Anderson, no run, low full toss, defended with bat/pad
together straight back to the bowler
42.5 Hefford to Anderson, one run, nicely square driven through backward
point, but only worth the single as Kelly's around to field in the
deep
42.6 Hefford to Harris, two runs, shortish ball down the leg side, well
tucked off the hip in the air backward of square leg, Kelly has
further to come around to field in the deep, easy two available
End of over 43 (5 runs) Canterbury 126/6 (RR: 2.93)
BE Hefford 7-1-17-1 - Centennial Stand End
CJ Anderson 29* (44b 4x4) CZ Harris 27* (58b)
43.1 Oram to Anderson, FOUR, quick short ball outside off stump, deftly
guided just wide of the keeper, Thompson chases around from third
man, runs in behind it then has to dive/slide, ends up failing
abysmally as he crashes over the rope with the ball beating him
43.2 Oram to Anderson, one run, runs it off the face down to Thompson at
a more regulation third man
43.3 Oram to Harris, no run, tries to work a full ball to leg coming
forward, taken low on the pad and drops away in close on the leg
side
43.4 Oram to Harris, one run, firmly stroked towards wide midwicket,
quick run taken with the shot as Sulzberger shies at the keeper's
end, just missing, Griggs can't take cleanly but they don't dare
try the overthrow as Hefford quickly tidies up
43.5 Oram to Anderson, no run, fishes at one outside off stump, playing
and misses as he searched for the fine edge wide of the keeper
again
43.6 Oram to Anderson, one run, high full toss outside off stump, driven
out to Smith at deep cover
End of over 44 (7 runs) Canterbury 133/6 (RR: 3.02)
JDP Oram 9-1-27-1 - Embankment End
CJ Anderson 35* (48b 5x4) CZ Harris 28* (60b)
44.1 Hefford to Anderson, two runs, full ball outside off stump, scooped
up in the air over Oram at extra cover, pitches and stops quickly
in the outfield as Spearman's in from wide long off to field, not
before Harris jogs back for the second to the danger end
44.2 Hefford to Anderson, one run, full and straight, driven from the
toes down the ground to Schwass at long on
44.3 Hefford to Harris, no run, walks forward to a shortish tight ball
on off stump, tamely pats it back down the pitch to the bowler on
his follow through as Harris is cramped for room
44.4 Hefford to Harris, one run, strongly driven straight back past the
bowler, Schwass in from long off to field, firing back a very
accurate return
44.5 Hefford to Anderson, no run, plays and misses outside off stump,
looking to run a ball fine past the keeper but it was too tight on
him
44.6 Hefford to Anderson, one run, driving at a full ball, gets a
streaky inside edge into the ground, dragged back past the stumps
to backward square leg for a single to retain the strike
End of over 45 (5 runs) Canterbury 138/6 (RR: 3.07)
BE Hefford 8-1-22-1 - Centennial Stand End
CJ Anderson 39* (52b 5x4) CZ Harris 29* (62b)
45.1 Oram to Anderson, OUT: comes forward down the track, stops in his
steps to try and push one away from the body down to third man or
finer, but misses altogether and middle and off are tickled up
Canterbury 138/7, Partnership of 67
CJ Anderson b Oram 39 (53b 5x4 0x6)
CZ Harris 29* (62b) JDP Oram 9.1-1-27-2
there ends a fine partnership of 67 for the 7th wicket, Anderson
the dominant partner, but Canterbury are still in a fair bit of
trouble
Stephen Cunis the new batsman
45.2 Oram to Cunis, one run, firmly stroked straight down the ground to
Sulzberger at long off
45.3 Oram to Harris, one run, shortish ball, cut away out to Kelly at
deep point
45.4 Oram to Cunis, one run, props well forward in defence, drops it
down in close on the off side, getting a little inside edge into
the pad and dropping dead, quick run taken while Oram just stands
there shouting for the lbw
45.5 Oram to Harris, no run, good full ball, squeezed out from the toes
into the pitch and back to the bowler, taking it above his head
45.6 Oram to Harris, one run, another good tight ball, but Harris
manages to steer this one just past the diving Schwass at shortish
midwicket, down to Sulzberger at long on
End of over 46 (4 runs) Canterbury 142/7 (RR: 3.09)
JDP Oram 10-1-31-2 - Embankment End
CZ Harris 31* (65b) SJ Cunis 2* (2b)
Oram completes his second consecutive 10-over Shell Cup after
having never done it before in his career
46.1 Hefford to Harris, two runs, full ball firmly driven straight to
Oram at midwicket, quick single taken with the shot, a fine direct
hit from a side on underarm throw garners some interest in the
replay, in the meantime it ricochets away through the vacant
covers for a bonus run
the replay shows Harris well home, too swift even for sharp
fielding
46.2 Hefford to Harris, two runs, driven out through extra cover,
working the gaps in the outfield well now, time for two more as
long off has to field
46.3 Hefford to Harris, one run, angling down the leg side, picked up in
the air through backward square leg, Kelly fields on the bounce in
the deep
46.4 Hefford to Cunis, one run, stroked up towards Sulzberger at
midwicket, another quick run taken with the shot, they're going
for everything now, gentle underarm lob over the stumps from the
fielder as he's easily home
46.5 Hefford to Harris, one run, full on the legs, turned straight to
Sinclair at short fine leg, fumbles it a little but the quick run
is taken safely in any case
46.6 Hefford to Cunis, two runs, another full one on the legs, turned
out through backward square leg to the deep, a fair chase for the
sweeper and time for a third double in the over
End of over 47 (9 runs) Canterbury 151/7 (RR: 3.21)
BE Hefford 9-1-31-1 - Centennial Stand End
CZ Harris 37* (69b) SJ Cunis 5* (4b)
that brings up the Canterbury 150 off 283 balls, the third 50
coming off just 62 balls, a fair increase in pace as the laconic
innings has progressed
Schwass returns to bowl out at the Embankment End, replacing Oram
who has just done so
47.1 Schwass to Harris, legbye: one run, quick and full, angling down
leg, taken on the pad and drops down in close on the leg side,
Schwass appeals as the run is jogged through in the meantime
47.2 Schwass to Cunis, one run, worked away into the covers for an easy
single
47.3 Schwass to Harris, no run, full ball, jammed back into the pitch to
the bowler, Cunis had charged a long way forward looking for the
single, has to scramble back, Schwass turns but for some reason
doesn't throw at the stumps, despite Cunis being a long way short
there was no-one but long off in the deep backing up, but it was a
close target, worth a shot
47.4 Schwass to Harris, no run, angling down the leg side, tries to pull
it fine but misses, brushes the pad through to the keeper on the
bounce
47.5 Schwass to Harris, FOUR, short ball down the leg side, sits up like
a tennis ball to be swatted away, Harris duly obliges, pulling it
hard in the air through backward square leg
47.6 Schwass to Harris, three runs, Harris pulls out his pitching wedge
again, lofting one cleanly over wide midwicket, lands in the deep
and stops dead, two fielders from opposite directions converge,
not before he grabs a well taken third
End of over 48 (9 runs) Canterbury 160/7 (RR: 3.33)
AM Schwass 9-0-29-1 (2w) - Embankment End
CZ Harris 44* (74b 1x4) SJ Cunis 6* (5b)
48.1 Hefford to Harris, FOUR, overpitched and poorly directed, low full
toss down the leg side, neatly clipped away fine of Douglas at
short fine leg and away it goes, you just can't bowl there with
this field set
48.2 Hefford to Harris, two runs, full outside off stump, powerfully
driven away through extra cover, past the dive of Sulzberger
inside the circle, Schwass around to field from long off, but
Harris is back for his second and his 50 off 76 balls, just 2
fours in that
48.3 Hefford to Harris, one run, full ball outside off stump, driven
similarly but much straighter down to Schwass at long off
48.4 Hefford to Cunis, one run, low full toss, turned away from bat/boot
towards vacant square leg for an easy run
48.5 Hefford to Harris, OUT: Harris' typically stoic knock comes to an
end, he gets a fair chunk of wood on to this one, but lofts it too
high, straight down the throat of Spearman waiting down at long
on, who after an eternity takes a very safe catch
Canterbury 168/8, Partnership of 30
CZ Harris c Spearman b Hefford 51 (78b 2x4 0x6)
SJ Cunis 7* (6b) BE Hefford 9.5-1-39-2
Spearman kicks the ball away hacky sack style towards the umpire
nonchalantly, no big deal he says, but Saint Christopher Zinzan
Harris has been removed 7 balls from the end
Ryan Burson the new batsman, at the non-striker's end
48.6 Hefford to Cunis, one run, good full ball, jammed out from his toes
towards midwicket to retain the strike for the start of the final
over
End of over 49 (9 runs) Canterbury 169/8 (RR: 3.45)
BE Hefford 10-1-40-2 - Centennial Stand End
SJ Cunis 8* (7b) RD Burson 0* (0b)
49.1 Schwass to Cunis, one run, full toss, mistimed pull ends up going
straight back down past the bowler, to Sulzberger at long off
49.2 Schwass to Burson, no run, weak defensive push played into the
pitch and straight back to Schwass who leaps up to take it,
feigning to flick it back on to the stumps at the bowler's end as
Cunis hovers out of his crease
49.3 Schwass to Burson, one run, full ball, jammed out straight down the
ground to Sulzberger charging in to field from long off on the
circle edge, preventing them coming back for a second
49.4 Schwass to Cunis, one run, good full ball, goes for a big heave
straight down the ground, ends up simply playing it dead into the
ground at his feet, quick run taken easily as a consolation
49.5 Schwass to Burson, one run, full outside off stump, nicely square
driven through backward point, no commitment in the running though
and they don't get a second as Smith fires it back in quickly
49.6 Schwass to Cunis, one run, full once more, smacked back along the
deck, Schwass makes a good diving stop, Burson stranded out of his
crease, he has a go rather than hang on to it, but misses from
close range, and concedes the single as it rolls down towards long
on
End of over 50 (5 runs) Canterbury 174/8 (RR: 3.48)
AM Schwass 10-0-34-1 (2w) - Embankment End
SJ Cunis 11* (10b) RD Burson 2* (3b)
still, a satisfactory final over for Schwass, just the 5 singles
off it and Canterbury finish up with a decidedly middle of the
back road total of 174/8 from their 50 overs
it shouldn't be enough for victory, even on this often stop-
startish wicket, but then again, they did defeat Auckland in the
corresponding first final last year defending a total of just 185
on a similar-ish type of pitch
on paper though, there is a lot different between this year and
last year and Central Districts must still be considered the
strong favourites to take a 1-0 lead in this best-of-3-finals
series
a typically-of-late consistent and even Central bowling effort
throughout the innings has set the tone for the game so far, no
great stand-outs but no-one disappointing either with 5 bowlers
completing their full allotments
if it hadn't been for Harris, yet again starting excruciatingly
slowly, yet again scratching around for singles for quite some
period, and yet again coming through with a face-saving 50 at a
fair rate in the end for the umpteenth time in his
representative career; and Anderson, things could've been
embarrassingly bad for the defending champions, but at least now
their modest to decent rated bowling line-up has something to bowl
with, and if Zimbabwe's effort from last night can be followed,
it would prove to be more than enough!
however, we will see, please join us in just under 35 minutes time
at 4pm for the resumption in play, when Central come out to chase
175 for victory at a required run rate of 3.50 per over
Match State: Innings break
the players return to the field, it'll be David Kelly to face up to
Chris Martin from the Centennial Stand End, with Mathew Sinclair
at the non-striker's end
0.1 Martin to Kelly, no run, good full ball to open up with, jammed out
from the batsman's toes towards Anderson at forward square leg
0.2 Martin to Kelly, no run, a bit more on leg stump, turned firmly
straight to Anderson at square leg
0.3 Martin to Kelly, one run, Martin strays further down leg and
concedes the first runs of the innings, turned down to Cunis at
long leg
0.4 Martin to Sinclair, two runs, good tight ball on off stump,
Sinclair hops on the crease to chop it hard into the ground,
bounces over the head of the leaping Doody in the gully, Burson
around to field from third man, great sprinting by Sinclair to
sneak back for the second
0.5 Martin to Sinclair, no run, change of pace, very full and takes
Sinclair directly on the foot trying to jam it out, rebounds away
harmlessly, but in the meantime Sinclair hops about a bit more,
that stung!
he regains his composure in time to face up to the next ball,
however
0.6 Martin to Sinclair, OUT: well, he can regain a whole lot more
composure by contemplating his innings back in the hutch, Martin
sends through an absolute rocket, a superb yorker, the absolute
ideal follow-up ball, and middle and off are splayed
Central Districts 3/1, Partnership of 3
MS Sinclair b Martin 2 (3b 0x4 0x6)
End of over 1 (3 runs) Central Districts 3/1 (RR: 3.00 RRR: 172/49 = 3.51)
CS Martin 1-0-3-1 - Centennial Stand End
DP Kelly 1* (3b)
Martin raises a triumphant fist in the air charging in through to
celebrate and Central are set back on their heels early
Craig Spearman the new batsman, at the non-striker's end
Ryan Burson to open the bowling from the Embankment End
1.1 Burson to Kelly, no run, defends a shortish ball outside off stump
down into the gully
1.2 Burson to Kelly, no run, tucked off the pad straight to Burson at
square leg
1.3 Burson to Kelly, no run, good quick ball, squared around, taken
high on the pad, and drops down in close on the off side
1.4 Burson to Kelly, no run, forward, pushes back on the off side of
the pitch in defence
1.5 Burson to Kelly, one run, awkwardly shapes to leave a ball but it
follows him, runs a thin edge wide of the keeper with no slips in
place, down to Redmond at third man
1.6 Burson to Spearman, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump
End of over 2 (1 run) Central Districts 4/1 (RR: 2.00 RRR: 171/48 = 3.56)
RD Burson 1-0-1-0 - Embankment End
DP Kelly 2* (8b) CM Spearman 0* (1b)
2.1 Martin to Kelly, three runs, overpitched, strongly driven up the
ground, past the diving Redmond at mid on, good timing and power
in the stroke but Stead chases it down from mid off, well run
third taken
2.2 Martin to Spearman, no run, shoulders arms through to the keeper
2.3 Martin to Spearman, no run, super quick full ball, Spearman is late
to dig it out, taken on the toe, huge appeal for lbw but umpire
Hill signals it was going down leg
2.4 Martin to Spearman, no run, defends firmly into the covers
2.5 Martin to Spearman, one run, a bit short, a bit wide outside off
stump, cracking cut down forward of point, Harris makes a
tremendous diving effort to his right to at least get a hand to it
and parry it away, save a certain four, two runs were on offer but
they were ball-watching
2.6 Martin to Kelly, wide: no run, short and wide outside off stump,
too wide according to umpire Hill
2.6 Martin to Kelly, legbye: FOUR, full down the leg side, flicked fine
from the pad all the way to the boundary
End of over 3 (9 runs) Central Districts 13/1 (RR: 4.33 RRR: 162/47 = 3.45)
CS Martin 2-0-8-1 (1w) - Centennial Stand End
CM Spearman 1* (5b) DP Kelly 5* (10b)
3.1 Burson to Spearman, wide: no run, too wide down the leg side
3.1 Burson to Spearman, no run, props forward in defence, taken high on
the pad, huge appeal for lbw but turned down by umpire Watkin
3.2 Burson to Spearman, no run, leaves alone a fairly wide ball outside
off stump, a few crowd calls for a wide but not as wide as the
others in the last over or two
3.3 Burson to Spearman, one run, forward, runs it away from the face
down to Redmond at third man
3.4 Burson to Kelly, no run, low full toss, driving but down slightly
the wrong line, inside edges it away towards McMillan at square
leg
3.5 Burson to Kelly, no run, very full ball, sweetly driven straight up
the ground but no further than Stead at straight mid off
3.6 Burson to Kelly, no run, similar again, a bit more width outside
off stump but still played straight up to Stead at mid off
End of over 4 (2 runs) Central Districts 15/1 (RR: 3.75 RRR: 160/46 = 3.48)
RD Burson 2-0-3-0 (1w) - Embankment End
CM Spearman 2* (8b) DP Kelly 5* (13b)
4.1 Martin to Spearman, OUT: a bit of drama now! Spearman props forward
in defence, Martin slides one across the outside edge, a clear
nick passes straight through to Hopkins, Spearman just walks off,
no need for an umpire's call there
Central Districts 15/2, Partnership of 12
CM Spearman c Hopkins b Martin 2 (9b 0x4 0x6)
DP Kelly 5* (13b) CS Martin 2.1-0-8-2 (1w)
Central in almost as much early trouble as Canterbury, do they have
the character to get out of it though?
Ben Smith the new batsman, facing a king pair of sorts, having made
a golden duck, on the same pitch, at the same end, three days
earlier against Northern Districts
4.2 Martin to Smith, one run, he avoids it, turning it away to
midwicket to get off the mark immediately
4.3 Martin to Kelly, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
4.4 Martin to Kelly, OUT: unbelievable start! Kelly tries to pull out
of a defensive shot, but Martin is fired up, sends another quickie
through and it hurries on to the bat, deflecting down into the
stumps and the home crowd are stunned!
Central Districts 16/3, Partnership of 1
DP Kelly b Martin 5 (15b 0x4 0x6)
BF Smith 1* (1b) CS Martin 2.4-0-9-3 (1w)
this is somewhat reminiscent of the respective starts to the ODI
last night between Zimbabwe and the West Indies at Sydney, and as
Bill Lawry would and very often does ... "it's all happening
here!"
hero from the other day, Mark Douglas, is the new batsman
4.5 Martin to Douglas, no run, sends through another quick full ball,
taken low on the pad trying to work it to leg but no appeal,
struck outside the line
4.6 Martin to Douglas, no run, good variation, quick shorter ball,
Douglas is half propped forward and fends it down at his feet from
the body
End of over 5 (1 run) Central Districts 16/3 (RR: 3.20 RRR: 159/45 = 3.53)
CS Martin 3-0-9-3 (1w) - Centennial Stand End
BF Smith 1* (1b) MW Douglas 0* (2b)
5.1 Burson to Smith, no run, shortish ball, defends firmly down to
Astle at short cover
5.2 Burson to Smith, no run, good straight ball, pushes back up the
wicket on the off side
5.3 Burson to Smith, one run, shortish ball angling on leg, well tucked
down towards midwicket for a quick run with the stroke
5.4 Burson to Douglas, no run, stretches well forward, shouldering arms
outside off stump
5.5 Burson to Douglas, one run, full ball, jammed into the ground over
the head of the bowler following through, easy run with the shot,
Stead from mid off across to field
5.6 Burson to Smith, no run, forward, pushes back up on the off side of
the pitch
End of over 6 (2 runs) Central Districts 18/3 (RR: 3.00 RRR: 157/44 = 3.57)
RD Burson 3-0-5-0 (1w) - Embankment End
MW Douglas 1* (4b) BF Smith 2* (5b)
6.1 Martin to Douglas, FOUR, overpitched and well punished, Douglas
strongly clips it through vacant midwicket, a collection job for
McMillan from square leg
6.2 Martin to Douglas, two runs, angles on leg stump, well turned away
through backward square leg, another chase for McMillan but not
one in vain this time
6.3 Martin to Douglas, no run, forward, pushes back a straight shortish
ball in defence on the leg side of the pitch
6.4 Martin to Douglas, no run, full toss outside off stump, strongly
cracked back down the pitch on the off side, Martin does well to
parry it up above his head on the follow through to prevent a
boundary
6.5 Martin to Douglas, no run, very full ball on off stump, squeezed
away strongly to Anderson at cover
6.6 Martin to Douglas, legbye: one run, walks forward into a defensive
stroke, dropping a short ball from the top of the pad down dead in
close on the leg side for a quick run
End of over 7 (7 runs) Central Districts 25/3 (RR: 3.57 RRR: 150/43 = 3.49)
CS Martin 4-0-15-3 (1w) - Centennial Stand End
MW Douglas 7* (10b 1x4) BF Smith 2* (5b)
7.1 Burson to Douglas, no run, full ball outside off stump, strongly
square driven but straight to McMillan fielding just backward of
point
7.2 Burson to Douglas, no run, firmly driven into the deck up towards
mid on, Stead leaps up to field on the bounce and has a quick shy
at the bowler's end as Smith hovers out of his crease, just
missing
7.3 Burson to Douglas, no run, leaves alone outside off stump
7.4 Burson to Douglas, no run, forward to a full ball, stroked away
straight to Anderson in the covers
7.5 Burson to Douglas, no run, tight straight ball, pushed back up on
the leg side of the pitch
7.6 Burson to Douglas, no run, full ball outside off stump, strongly
punched straight up to mid off
End of over 8 (maiden) Central Districts 25/3 (RR: 3.12 RRR: 150/42 = 3.57)
RD Burson 4-1-5-0 (1w) - Embankment End
BF Smith 2* (5b) MW Douglas 7* (16b 1x4)
8.1 Martin to Smith, one run, shortish ball outside off stump, strongly
cut down to Burson at third man
8.2 Martin to Douglas, two runs, jumps back in the crease to push
forward, inside edgily played through backward square leg, gets a
couple with some luck as McMillan has to set after it
8.3 Martin to Douglas, no run, good tight ball on off stump, firmly
defends down into the covers to Anderson
8.4 Martin to Douglas, one run, shortish ball, runs it down wide of the
slips down to Cunis at third man
8.5 Martin to Smith, no run, short rising ball outside off stump, cut
down straight to Harris at point
8.6 Martin to Smith, no run, full ball outside off stump, clamped down
on and driven up to mid off
End of over 9 (4 runs) Central Districts 29/3 (RR: 3.22 RRR: 146/41 = 3.56)
CS Martin 5-0-19-3 (1w) - Centennial Stand End
MW Douglas 10* (19b 1x4) BF Smith 3* (8b)
9.1 Burson to Douglas, no run, Douglas has a rush of blood to the head
and jumps down the track looking to smash it back down the ground
over the top, swing and a miss, not smart cricket
9.2 Burson to Douglas, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, cut
strongly straight down to Harris at backward point
9.3 Burson to Douglas, no run, forward, defends a straight ball back to
the bowler
9.4 Burson to Douglas, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, cut
strongly straight down to Harris once more
9.5 Burson to Douglas, no run, full ball, driven firmly straight up to
Stead at mid on
9.6 Burson to Douglas, FOUR, full outside off stump, slashing square
drive in the air backward of Harris at backward point, crashes
into the side of the stand of the same name as the nearest fielder
to it
End of over 10 (4 runs) Central Districts 33/3 (RR: 3.30 RRR: 142/40 = 3.55)
RD Burson 5-1-9-0 (1w) - Embankment End
BF Smith 3* (8b) MW Douglas 14* (25b 2x4)
10.1 Martin to Smith, no run, very full outside off stump, strongly
squeezed out up to Stead at mid off
10.2 Martin to Smith, three runs, sweetly straight driven up through mid
on, Redmond chases hard and does well to tip it back just inside
the boundary rope
10.3 Martin to Douglas, no run, short rising ball outside off stump,
played firmly straight down to Harris at backward point
10.4 Martin to Douglas, no run, full outside off stump, powerfully
driven but straight up to Redmond at mid off, Douglas really
hitting cleanly in the last couple of overs, but picking off a few
too many fielders
10.5 Martin to Douglas, two runs, he sorts that out with a punchy
straight drive past Redmond who does well to chase it down quickly
and get a return in pronto to stop them coming back for a third
10.6 Martin to Douglas, no run, dabbles and misses a quicker rising ball
outside off stump
End of over 11 (5 runs) Central Districts 38/3 (RR: 3.45 RRR: 137/39 = 3.51)
CS Martin 6-0-24-3 (1w) - Centennial Stand End
BF Smith 6* (10b) MW Douglas 16* (29b 2x4)
11.1 Burson to Smith, OUT: another one down! it's like the Titanic!
Burson whips one through quicker on Smith who plays all around it,
taken low on the pad, huge appeal and up goes umpire Watkin's
finger immediately, must've been pretty darn plumb because umpire
Watkin
Central Districts 38/4, Partnership of 22
BF Smith lbw b Burson 6 (11b 0x4 0x6)
MW Douglas 16* (29b 2x4) RD Burson 5.1-1-9-1 (1w)
captain Jacob Oram the new batsman, needing to right his ship
before it's too late
11.2 Burson to Oram, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump
11.3 Burson to Oram, no run, same again, slightly shorter ball,
shoulders arms outside off stump again
11.4 Burson to Oram, no run, full and straight, watchfully defended back
up the pitch
11.5 Burson to Oram, no run, full outside off stump, gently nudged away
towards Harris at backward point
11.6 Burson to Oram, no run, firmly stroked up just wide of Anderson at
extra cover, but can't beat wide mid off
End of over 12 (maiden) Central Districts 38/4 (RR: 3.17 RRR: 137/38 = 3.61)
RD Burson 6-2-9-1 (1w) - Embankment End
MW Douglas 16* (29b 2x4) JDP Oram 0* (5b)
the first bowling change comes, Chris Harris replacing Martin at
the Centennial Stand End
12.1 Harris to Douglas, no run, floated on a lovely teasing length
immediately, Douglas watchfully turns it away to McMillan at
midwicket
12.2 Harris to Douglas, no run, stretches well forward outside off
stump, running it away from the blade to Cunis at short third man
12.3 Harris to Douglas, one run, shortish ball, worked away towards
square leg, after some initial hesitation they set off, Douglas
has to scramble as Doody shies at the bowler's end, just missing,
he was in trouble had it hit
12.4 Harris to Oram, no run, forward, defends a full ball back to the
bowler
12.5 Harris to Oram, no run, props well forward, not quite to the pitch
of it, defends in close on the off side with somewhat of a fend
12.6 Harris to Oram, no run, full ball, worked away from the toes to
McMillan roaming at midwicket
End of over 13 (1 run) Central Districts 39/4 (RR: 3.00 RRR: 136/37 = 3.68)
CZ Harris 1-0-1-0 - Centennial Stand End
MW Douglas 17* (32b 2x4) JDP Oram 0* (8b)
13.1 Burson to Douglas, no run, a bit of width, cut strongly backward of
point but can't beat the mercurial Harry diving to his right,
flicking back an equally impressive throw off balance to the
keeper, the batsmen wisely stay where they are
13.2 Burson to Douglas, no run, stretches well forward, firmly pushing
in defence towards Harris once more
13.3 Burson to Douglas, no run, Douglas lines up a big shot over the top
but it's not there for it, bottom edges into the pitch at his feet
13.4 Burson to Douglas, no run, full and straight, driven firmly back
down the pitch to Burson fielding well on his follow through
13.5 Burson to Douglas, no run, straight again, driven straight up to
Stead at mid on
13.6 Burson to Douglas, no run, walking forward into a defensive push,
squared around a little, fends it away in close on the off side of
the pitch
End of over 14 (maiden) Central Districts 39/4 (RR: 2.79 RRR: 136/36 = 3.78)
RD Burson 7-3-9-1 (1w) - Embankment End
JDP Oram 0* (8b) MW Douglas 17* (38b 2x4)
14.1 Harris to Oram, wide: no run, slips one through wide down the leg
side, Hopkins fumbles the take
14.1 Harris to Oram, one run, full ball, driven straight down to Martin
at long on
14.2 Harris to Douglas, no run, dipping full toss, clipped straight to
Astle at short midwicket
14.3 Harris to Douglas, one run, shortish ball angling on the leg stump,
tucked down towards vacant square leg for an easy single
14.4 Harris to Oram, no run, stretches well forward down the line of one
coming back in to take the inside of the front pad, half should
for lbw quickly turned down by umpire Hill
14.5 Harris to Oram, no run, forward, turns it away towards McMillan
moving across to his left to field from midwicket
14.6 Harris to Oram, one run, low full toss, turned out to Burson at
deep square leg
End of over 15 (4 runs) Central Districts 43/4 (RR: 2.87 RRR: 132/35 = 3.77)
CZ Harris 2-0-5-0 (1w) - Centennial Stand End
JDP Oram 2* (12b) MW Douglas 18* (40b 2x4)
Stephen Cunis replaces Burson after a fine spell of 3-9 off 7 overs
at the Embankment End
15.1 Cunis to Oram, no run, forward to a full ball, driven straight into
the covers
15.2 Cunis to Oram, no run, forward, firmly driven straight up towards
Burson at mid off
15.3 Cunis to Oram, no run, strongly drives a full and straight ball
back down the pitch, Cunis fielding low down on his follow through
15.4 Cunis to Oram, no run, forward to a full ball, trying to work it
away through midwicket but turns it a bit too straight, played to
Astle at wide midwicket
15.5 Cunis to Oram, no run, shortish outside off stump, lazily chopped
into the ground, guided away to Harris at backward point
15.6 Cunis to Oram, no run, forward, drives into the ground, played
straight to Stead at cover
End of over 16 (maiden) Central Districts 43/4 (RR: 2.69 RRR: 132/34 = 3.88)
SJ Cunis 1-1-0-0 - Embankment End
MW Douglas 18* (40b 2x4) JDP Oram 2* (18b)
a good start from Cunis, a maiden, now just 5 runs coming from the
last 5 overs as Central are strangled in the same manner they did
to Canterbury
16.1 Harris to Douglas, no run, forward to a straight ball, defends
straight back to the bowler
16.2 Harris to Douglas, no run, tries to cut a shortish ball outside off
stump away backward of point, keeps a bit low and misses, playing
over the top of it
16.3 Harris to Douglas, no run, dabbed away straight to backward point
16.4 Harris to Douglas, no run, forward, pushed straight back to the
bowler
16.5 Harris to Douglas, no run, and once more, driven straight back to
Harris along the pitch
16.6 Harris to Douglas, no run, props forward in defence, dropping it
down in close behind square on the off side, another maiden as
things get tighter and tighter
End of over 17 (maiden) Central Districts 43/4 (RR: 2.53 RRR: 132/33 = 4.00)
CZ Harris 3-1-5-0 (1w) - Centennial Stand End
JDP Oram 2* (18b) MW Douglas 18* (46b 2x4)
the run rate required now hits the heady heights of 4 per over
17.1 Cunis to Oram, no run, forward, defends a ball outside off stump
down towards McMillan at point
17.2 Cunis to Oram, no run, drives at a brisk wider ball outside off
stump, reaching a bit far and never quite to it
17.3 Cunis to Oram, one run, more smartly lets the ball come to him this
time, guides it off the face down to Martin at third man
17.4 Cunis to Douglas, no run, full ball outside off stump, firmly
stroked back on the off side of the pitch, Cunis fields on his
follow through
17.5 Cunis to Douglas, one run, steps forward, turning a shortish ball
off his hip down through to vacant square leg, Anderson has to
scoot in from the deep to field because, for some strange reason,
umpire Hill doesn't want to do it for him
17.6 Cunis to Oram, one run, angling on leg again, turned firmly down
through backward square leg, good work around in the deep by
Redmond to fire in a smart return and prevent the second run
End of over 18 (3 runs) Central Districts 46/4 (RR: 2.56 RRR: 129/32 = 4.03)
SJ Cunis 2-1-3-0 - Embankment End
JDP Oram 4* (22b) MW Douglas 19* (48b 2x4)
time for the first drinks break of the Central innings, time for
some deep introspective thought for many of the batsmen dismissed!
Harris now bowling with his cap on, in this scorching afternoon sun
18.1 Harris to Oram, one run, floated full, well clipped out to deep
midwicket
18.2 Harris to Douglas, one run, similar again, this one drifting a bit
down leg, well worked away out to Doody at deep backward square
leg
18.3 Harris to Oram, no run, shorter ball, tapped down in close on the
leg side, after initial hesitation they scurry through for a very
tight single, a dive throw comes in from Astle in the covers,
Hopkins breaks the stumps and a replay is called for
it's all done in a bit of slow motion, the crowd aren't really
overly worried and there isn't a whole lot of excitement in the
Canterbury camp, but then comes the red light and Douglas is on
his way
Central Districts 48/5, Partnership of 10
MW Douglas run out (Astle) 20 (49b 2x4 0x6)
Glen Sulzberger the new batsman with Central in even further
trouble now
18.4 Harris to Sulzberger, no run, floated full, jammed out back down
the pitch to the bowler
18.5 Harris to Sulzberger, no run, full outside off stump, driven
straight up to mid off
18.6 Harris to Sulzberger, no run, floated loopy full toss, Sulzberger
tamely pats at it but misses, struck high on the pad but Harris'
appeal is quickly turned down, angling down leg
End of over 19 (2 runs) Central Districts 48/5 (RR: 2.53 RRR: 127/31 = 4.10)
CZ Harris 4-1-7-0 (1w) - Centennial Stand End
JDP Oram 5* (24b) GP Sulzberger 0* (3b)
19.1 Cunis to Oram, no run, shortish ball outside off stump, strongly
cut from a height into the ground, away to McMillan at cover point
19.2 Cunis to Oram, one run, goes for a big heave over the top down the
ground, doesn't get to the pitch of it at all well, getting a
streaky outside edge down to Martin at third man
19.3 Cunis to Sulzberger, no run, forward to a full ball, pushing firmly
up to Doody at mid off
19.4 Cunis to Sulzberger, no run, reaching well forward once more,
mistimes a push up on the off side of the pitch, Doody in to field
again
19.5 Cunis to Sulzberger, one run, pushing forward outside off stump to
a shortish ball, runs a thick outside edge down to Martin at third
man, bringing up the Central 50 off 120 balls, only 8 balls
quicker than Canterbury to the mark
19.6 Cunis to Oram, no run, pushes into the covers in defence, playing
well away from the body
End of over 20 (2 runs) Central Districts 50/5 (RR: 2.50 RRR: 125/30 = 4.17)
SJ Cunis 3-1-5-0 - Embankment End
GP Sulzberger 1* (6b) JDP Oram 6* (27b)
20.1 Harris to Sulzberger, no run, floated up outside off stump, pushes
back along the ground quietly up to Redmond at mid off
20.2 Harris to Sulzberger, no run, forward, defends down to Astle
perched in at short midwicket, run scoring is a tricky exercise
for Central at the moment
20.3 Harris to Sulzberger, no run, leaves alone a widish ball outside
off stump through to Hopkins, reasonably wide and umpire Hill
briefly contemplates signalling it but doesn't in the end
20.4 Harris to Sulzberger, one run, shortish ball angling down leg, well
turned away past McMillan at square leg, out to Doody at deep
backward square
20.5 Harris to Oram, one run, forward, works this one away through the
same region, down to Doody at deep backward square leg
20.6 Harris to Sulzberger, no run, reaching forward, pushes down to
Astle at short midwicket
End of over 21 (2 runs) Central Districts 52/5 (RR: 2.48 RRR: 123/29 = 4.24)
CZ Harris 5-1-9-0 (1w) - Centennial Stand End
JDP Oram 7* (28b) GP Sulzberger 2* (11b)
off jogs Astle, being subbed by Marcel McKenzie fielding at extra
cover
21.1 Cunis to Oram, one run, square drives a ball not quite full enough
outside off stump, bottom edges it down to Martin at third man
21.2 Cunis to Sulzberger, no run, good straight ball, firmly drives into
the pitch back to the bowler, Cunis plucking it with his right
hand on the follow through
21.3 Cunis to Sulzberger, no run, stretches the front foot well forward,
shouldering arms outside off stump
21.4 Cunis to Sulzberger, one run, full ball outside off stump, squeezed
up towards wide mid off, good quick run taken with the shot as
Doody has to move a few paces up and to his right to field,
underarming at the bowler's end, well safe
21.5 Cunis to Oram, no run, full ball, goes for the big drive, played
straight up to mid off
21.6 Cunis to Oram, one run, shortish ball outside off stump, guided
away down to Martin at third man off the face
End of over 22 (3 runs) Central Districts 55/5 (RR: 2.50 RRR: 120/28 = 4.29)
SJ Cunis 4-1-8-0 - Embankment End
JDP Oram 9* (31b) GP Sulzberger 3* (14b)
Astle's break is a brief one, a pit stop if you will, off goes
McKenzie
22.1 Harris to Oram, FOUR, too short outside off stump, stands back and
cuts sweetly through cover point, no protection out there and away
it goes, first boundary in 43 balls
22.2 Harris to Oram, two runs, horrid loopy full toss angling on leg
side, equally as awkwardly turned away fine, deep backward square
leg around to field in the outfield
22.3 Harris to Oram, one run, forward, drops one away in close square on
the leg side, easy run taken as it falls well short of the field
22.4 Harris to Sulzberger, one run, Sulzberger follows suit with a
similar shot, towards square leg, quick single easily taken
22.5 Harris to Oram, one run, now they're taking on the fielder, played
towards Astle's wrong hand at shortish midwicket, well taken once
more
22.6 Harris to Sulzberger, one run, now played with a bit more force and
straighter, this one's much tighter and there's a shy at the
bowler's end but misses as Sulzberger scrambles home, losing his
bat on the way
End of over 23 (10 runs) Central Districts 65/5 (RR: 2.83 RRR: 110/27 = 4.07)
CZ Harris 6-1-19-0 (1w) - Centennial Stand End
GP Sulzberger 5* (16b) JDP Oram 17* (35b 1x4)
23.1 Cunis to Sulzberger, no run, shoulders arms outside off stump
through to the keeper, reasonably wide ball
23.2 Cunis to Sulzberger, no run, full, strongly clouted straight up the
ground, but not past Doody at mid off
23.3 Cunis to Sulzberger, FOUR, overpitched outside off stump, lovely
straight drive, too good for Doody who languishes at mid off,
Sulzberger just watches it race away, no need to run there
23.4 Cunis to Sulzberger, one run, walks down the pitch confidently,
working one up towards Burson at mid on, good quick run taken with
the shot
23.5 Cunis to Oram, one run, shortish ball outside off stump, tapped
away backward of point, both batsmen hesitate as to whether to run
on Harris' fielding as he shimmies to his left to pick up, but
leaves it a little behind him, they take on the misfield and just
make it home as
the throw to the bowler's end is wide
23.6 Cunis to Sulzberger, no run, full and straight, squeezed out to
short midwicket
End of over 24 (6 runs) Central Districts 71/5 (RR: 2.96 RRR: 104/26 = 4.00)
SJ Cunis 5-1-14-0 - Embankment End
JDP Oram 18* (36b 1x4) GP Sulzberger 10* (21b 1x4)
Astle replaces Harris at the Centennial Stand End, having conceded
10 off his last over, the most expensive one of the match so far
24.1 Astle to Oram, no run, pitched on a back of a length, Oram stands
tall to force it into the pitch and back down the wicket, Astle
fielding well on his follow through
24.2 Astle to Oram, no run, props well forward in defence with bat/pad
together, struck on the front knee roll, drawing a fair appeal
from Astle on his lonesome, quick shake of the head by umpire Hill
24.3 Astle to Oram, three runs, jumps down the track, cracking it low in
the air past the bowler and mid on and mid off give chase, great
commitment in the dive from Redmond to just scoop it back inside
in time as he crashes into the hoardings, fired back by the mid on
man
umpire Hill signals four, but then goes upstairs to check with
third umpire Billy Bowden, and the signal is cancelled, so back
they walk for three, great save
24.4 Astle to Sulzberger, OUT: and how crucial did that break in play
and losing of the run and therefore swapping back of strike did
that cause! Astle pushes a quicker one straight through on
Sulzberger, not forward enough and rapped on the pads, the shout
for lbw is met with a raised finger from umpire Hill
Central Districts 74/6, Partnership of 26
GP Sulzberger lbw b Astle 10 (22b 1x4 0x6)
JDP Oram 21* (39b 1x4) NJ Astle 0.4-0-3-1
with immediate success and Central's hopes take a further plunge as
they still require a further 101 for victory
Bevan Griggs the new batsman
24.5 Astle to Griggs, no run, well forward, defends straight back to the
bowler
24.6 Astle to Griggs, no run, props forward again, defending with
bat/pad back down the pitch
End of over 25 (3 runs) Central Districts 74/6 (RR: 2.96 RRR: 101/25 = 4.04)
NJ Astle 1-0-3-1 - Centennial Stand End
JDP Oram 21* (39b 1x4) BBJ Griggs 0* (2b)
a double bowling change, Carl Anderson on for Cunis at the
Embankment End
25.1 Anderson to Oram, one run, very short ball to start with, strongly
pulled with ease along the ground out to Redmond at deep square
leg
25.2 Anderson to Griggs, no run, flighted up full and straight, pushed
straight back along the deck to Anderson
25.3 Anderson to Griggs, no run, flighted up full, uses the feet well to
clip it away but can't beat the fine diving stop of Astle at
midwicket
25.4 Anderson to Griggs, no run, flighted full, cracked back in the air
to Anderson's left, makes a fair grab with two hands but out it
pops and can't recover to have a second go at it
25.5 Anderson to Griggs, no run, forward, firmly stroked straight to
Stead at short extra cover
25.6 Anderson to Griggs, no run, flighted full, driven sweetly straight
up to Cunis at mid on
End of over 26 (1 run) Central Districts 75/6 (RR: 2.88 RRR: 100/24 = 4.17)
CJ Anderson 1-0-1-0 - Embankment End
JDP Oram 22* (40b 1x4) BBJ Griggs 0* (7b)
26.1 Astle to Oram, no run, good tight ball probing in on off stump,
Oram can only defend away towards Stead in the covers, mostly
creasebound
26.2 Astle to Oram, one run, stretches forward, guiding it away well off
the face down to Burson at third man
26.3 Astle to Griggs, no run, full ball, comes well forward to meet the
pitch of it, but his strong straight drive travels straight up to
Redmond at mid on
26.4 Astle to Griggs, no run, shuffles back and across to off stump,
taps it away straight to Stead at point
26.5 Astle to Griggs, wide: two runs, angling down the leg side, Griggs
tries to whip it fine but misses, as does Hopkins, Burson around
from long leg to field in front of the sightscreen, bonus runs
26.5 Astle to Griggs, one run, full outside off stump, strongly driven
up towards Martin at wide mid off, they take on the fielder and
win well as he is set a fraction deep to threaten, though fires in
a good direct hit aiming at 1 1/2 stumps
26.6 Astle to Oram, no run, forward, quietly defends down away to Stead
at point
End of over 27 (5 runs) Central Districts 80/6 (RR: 2.96 RRR: 95/23 = 4.13)
NJ Astle 2-0-8-1 (1w) - Centennial Stand End
BBJ Griggs 1* (10b) JDP Oram 23* (43b 1x4)
27.1 Anderson to Griggs, no run, straight ball on off stump, driven
straight back to the bowler
27.2 Anderson to Griggs, FOUR, overtossed and duly punished, a step down
the track to greet it and strongly drives it wide of the diving
Cunis at mid on
27.3 Anderson to Griggs, no run, well forward, defends down in close on
the off side of the pitch
27.4 Anderson to Griggs, no run, looks for a big drive through the
covers, a bit full and has to squeeze it out to Stead at short
extra cover
27.5 Anderson to Griggs, no run, forward, turns it away straight to
Astle at wide midwicket
27.6 Anderson to Griggs, no run, forward, defends down in close on the
off side
End of over 28 (4 runs) Central Districts 84/6 (RR: 3.00 RRR: 91/22 = 4.14)
CJ Anderson 2-0-5-0 - Embankment End
JDP Oram 23* (43b 1x4) BBJ Griggs 5* (16b 1x4)
28.1 Astle to Oram, one run, shortish outside off stump, guided off the
face down to Burson at third man
28.2 Astle to Griggs, no run, forward, firmly tucks it off the legs
straight to Anderson at square leg
28.3 Astle to Griggs, no run, forward, defends down in close on the off
side
28.4 Astle to Griggs, one run, reaching forward, works a shortish
straight ball away towards vacant midwicket, easy run on offer
with the shot
28.5 Astle to Oram, one run, powerfully driven off the back foot up
towards Redmond at wide mid off, they take a very tight run as
Oram is at an early disadvantage in setting off, the shy at the
stumps just misses, looked tight
28.6 Astle to Griggs, no run, full ball on the toes, firmly driven
straight up to mid off
End of over 29 (3 runs) Central Districts 87/6 (RR: 3.00 RRR: 88/21 = 4.19)
NJ Astle 3-0-11-1 (1w) - Centennial Stand End
JDP Oram 25* (45b 1x4) BBJ Griggs 6* (20b 1x4)
29.1 Anderson to Oram, no run, props forward, quietly dropping it down
in close on the off side in defence
29.2 Anderson to Oram, one run, shorter ball angling on leg, worked away
out through square leg
29.3 Anderson to Griggs, no run, drawn well forward by a flighted ball,
steadfastly defends with a vertical blade back to the bowler
29.4 Anderson to Griggs, no run, flighted up full, strongly cracked down
the ground low in air towards Cunis at mid on, dives forward to
scoop up a possible catch, we go to the replay but it's
inconclusive and Griggs lives on, super fielding either way
29.5 Anderson to Griggs, no run, flighted full, driven straight back
along the deck to Anderson
29.6 Anderson to Griggs, no run, forward, defends back along the off
side of the pitch
End of over 30 (1 run) Central Districts 88/6 (RR: 2.93 RRR: 87/20 = 4.35)
CJ Anderson 3-0-6-0 - Embankment End
JDP Oram 26* (47b 1x4) BBJ Griggs 6* (24b 1x4)
30.1 Astle to Oram, no run, forward, quietly pats a shortish ball on off
stump down to Harris at backward point
30.2 Astle to Oram, no run, fuller outside off stump, strongly driven
from the crease straight to Anderson in the covers
30.3 Astle to Oram, one run, drops it down in close on the off side,
well short of Anderson and they sprint the tight single on the
stroke this time, an underarm dive throw goes well high over the
stumps to Hopkins, by which time Griggs is easily home
30.4 Astle to Griggs, no run, forward to a straight ball, defending
straight back along the pitch to Astle
30.5 Astle to Griggs, no run, and again, plays with bat/pad back to the
bowler
30.6 Astle to Griggs, one run, driving at a ball drifting into the pads,
works it up just wide of Anderson in the midwicket region to
safely negotiate the single
End of over 31 (2 runs) Central Districts 90/6 (RR: 2.90 RRR: 85/19 = 4.47)
NJ Astle 4-0-13-1 (1w) - Centennial Stand End
BBJ Griggs 7* (27b 1x4) JDP Oram 27* (50b 1x4)
31.1 Anderson to Griggs, no run, reaching well forward, turns a full
ball straight to Astle at shortish midwicket
31.2 Anderson to Griggs, no run, flighted up, driven firmly straight
back to the bowler along the deck
31.3 Anderson to Griggs, no run, again well forward to meet the ball,
but can't pierce the infield, driving straight up to McMillan at
mid off
31.4 Anderson to Griggs, one run, dances down the track, strongly
cracking one along the ground back past the bowler, but Burson is
posted down at long off so it's kept to just the single
31.5 Anderson to Oram, two runs, driven wide of Stead at shortish
midwicket, Burson has a fair bit of work from long on and they
scurry back for the second comfortably
31.6 Anderson to Oram, one run, flighted full on the legs, well turned
away out to Doody at deep midwicket
End of over 32 (4 runs) Central Districts 94/6 (RR: 2.94 RRR: 81/18 = 4.50)
CJ Anderson 4-0-10-0 - Embankment End
JDP Oram 30* (52b 1x4) BBJ Griggs 8* (31b 1x4)
32.1 Astle to Oram, two runs, driving outside off stump, reaching for it
a little but gets it away well backward of point, comfortably back
for the second as Burson has to get around in the deep and fling
it back
32.2 Astle to Oram, no run, quick and full, shoots through on Oram
looking to work it to leg, sharp appeal for lbw from Astle quickly
turned down by umpire Hill
32.3 Astle to Oram, FOUR, Oram into his work well and good now, crashing
away a super extra cover drive, stand and deliver stuff and that
brings up the Central Districts 100 off 195 balls
32.4 Astle to Oram, one run, shortish ball outside off stump, guided
away off the face down to Burson at third man
32.5 Astle to Griggs, no run, good straight ball, Griggs defends from
the crease, playing down to Anderson at midwicket
32.6 Astle to Griggs, no run, forward, defends back on the off side of
the pitch back to the bowler
End of over 33 (7 runs) Central Districts 101/6 (RR: 3.06 RRR: 74/17 = 4.35)
NJ Astle 5-0-20-1 (1w) - Centennial Stand End
JDP Oram 37* (56b 2x4) BBJ Griggs 8* (33b 1x4)
33.1 Anderson to Oram, one run, flighted full outside off stump, driven
down to Cunis at long off
33.2 Anderson to Griggs, bye: two runs, pushing forward outside off
stump, Anderson gets one to turn past the outside edge, kicking up
and it's too hot for Hopkins to handle too, Martin chases it down
from short third man
33.3 Anderson to Griggs, no run, flighted full, firmly driven straight
up to Cunis at mid on
33.4 Anderson to Griggs, one run, full outside off stump, driven
straight down to Burson at long off
33.5 Anderson to Oram, one run, walks down the pitch to deliberately
work it straight up the ground through mid on, an easy first run
is taken, they look for the quick second as Burson has to come in
a long way but the throw is in smartly, stopping them in their
tracks
33.6 Anderson to Griggs, no run, forward, watchfully defends back to the
bowler
End of over 34 (5 runs) Central Districts 106/6 (RR: 3.12 RRR: 69/16 = 4.31)
CJ Anderson 5-0-13-0 - Embankment End
JDP Oram 39* (58b 2x4) BBJ Griggs 9* (37b 1x4)
an impromptu drinks break is taken by both batsmen, 12 minutes
ahead of time, but it is rather hot here today
Gary Stead just getting a little worried, this pair ticking it over
nicely, and that's all Central need, Canterbury needs wickets, so
he's brought back Chris Martin, replacing Astle at the Centennial
Stand End
34.1 Martin to Oram, one run, driving at a full ball outside off stump,
doesn't play it the way he planned, but gets the thick outside
edge along the ground down to third man for the single anyway
34.2 Martin to Griggs, no run, good full ball probing on off stump,
chopped into the ground out to McMillan at cover
34.3 Martin to Griggs, one run, dear oh dear, Griggs jams it out towards
wide mid off, they set off for the single but Anderson intercepts
from extra cover, with both batsmen mid-pitch but he underarms and
misses from nearly side on at the bowler's end, with nobody by the
stumps it's
a let off for Central
34.4 Martin to Oram, one run, full ball outside off stump, driven out to
Doody at deep cover
34.5 Martin to Griggs, no run, good full ball on off stump, equally well
driven but not perfectly timed and it's played straight to Astle
at extra cover
34.6 Martin to Griggs, two runs, strays down leg, well turned away
through vacant midwicket, great running to get through for the
second as Doody has to charge in to field from the deep and fires
back an ordinary return
End of over 35 (5 runs) Central Districts 111/6 (RR: 3.17 RRR: 64/15 = 4.27)
CS Martin 7-0-29-3 (1w) - Centennial Stand End
JDP Oram 41* (60b 2x4) BBJ Griggs 12* (41b 1x4)
35.1 Anderson to Oram, no run, reaching forward to a flighted ball,
works it away to Stead at wide midwicket
35.2 Anderson to Oram, one run, flighted full toss, Oram advances to
slap it back past the bowler, Cunis around from long off, firing
back a quick return to stop them going for their second
35.3 Anderson to Griggs, no run, reaching forward, dead bat defends it
down in close on the off side
35.4 Anderson to Griggs, no run, flatter and straighter, Griggs pushes
straight back down the pitch to Anderson
35.5 Anderson to Griggs, one run, flighted up full, driven up towards
Cunis at mid on, quick single taken with the shot, a little tight
but safely home as the throw at the bowler's end misses
35.6 Anderson to Oram, one run, down the track, drives past the
outstretched hand of Stead inside the circle, down to Burson at
wide long on
End of over 36 (3 runs) Central Districts 114/6 (RR: 3.17 RRR: 61/14 = 4.36)
CJ Anderson 6-0-16-0 - Embankment End
JDP Oram 43* (63b 2x4) BBJ Griggs 13* (44b 1x4)
36.1 Martin to Oram, no run, quick and full outside off stump, squeezed
out to Stead at extra cover
36.2 Martin to Oram, no run, super yorker length delivery, Oram really
has to clamp down on it, just digging it out, but swivels around
on the crease as it pops clear of the bat, wondering where it has
gone, finally relocates it again safely!
36.3 Martin to Oram, one run, short rising delivery outside off stump,
hops on the crease to run it down to Burson at third man off the
face
36.4 Martin to Griggs, no run, quick and straight on off stump, firmly
defends back into the pitch, back to Martin on his follow through
36.5 Martin to Griggs, no run, good tight full ball on the toes,
squeezed out up to Redmond at mid on
36.6 Martin to Griggs, no run, quick and full, angling into the pads,
rebounds away to short midwicket
End of over 37 (1 run) Central Districts 115/6 (RR: 3.11 RRR: 60/13 = 4.62)
CS Martin 8-0-30-3 (1w) - Centennial Stand End
JDP Oram 44* (66b 2x4) BBJ Griggs 13* (47b 1x4)
time for the last drinks break of the match with things
interestingly poised
Harris returns, replacing Anderson at the Embankment End
37.1 Harris to Oram, one run, floated full outside off stump, driven up
too Cunis at mid off
37.2 Harris to Griggs, no run, floated very full on off stump, turned
away to Astle at midwicket
37.3 Harris to Griggs, no run, holds one back, shorter and slower,
Griggs waits forever on it, having to readjust the shot and in the
end misses altogether, taking the top of the pad and dropping down
in close on the off side
37.4 Harris to Griggs, one run, full on off stump, sweetly driven down
to Burson at long off
37.5 Harris to Oram, one run, shortish ball outside off stump, flat
batted away backward of point, McMillan makes a fine diving half
stop to his right, Martin tidies up
37.6 Harris to Griggs, no run, half forward, gets one to slide on
quickly into the pads, big shout from the bowler alone but umpire
Watkin isn't interested
End of over 38 (3 runs) Central Districts 118/6 (RR: 3.11 RRR: 57/12 = 4.75)
CZ Harris 7-1-22-0 (1w) - Embankment End
JDP Oram 46* (68b 2x4) BBJ Griggs 14* (51b 1x4)
Astle comes back to replace Martin at the Centennial Stand End
38.1 Astle to Oram, no run, shortish ball on off stump, Oram stands tall
on the crease but is cramped for room, mistiming a forcing shot up
towards mid off
38.2 Astle to Oram, no run, shortish, straighter, Oram turns it away to
Stead with only moderate conviction
38.3 Astle to Oram, no run, a bit fuller, can't get it away again,
driven straight up to mid off
38.4 Astle to Oram, no run, squared around trying to come forward and
work one away through midwicket, has to readjust late and drive
straight to Stead at cover
38.5 Astle to Oram, two runs, at last gets one away, working one off the
legs through vacant backward square leg, Cunis with the work
around from long leg to get in to field, time for an easy two
38.6 Astle to Oram, two runs, he does it again and the same result,
Astle and the Canterbury field don't learn, easy two as the throw
is miles too high and wide, and that's Oram's 50 off 74 balls, 2x4
End of over 39 (4 runs) Central Districts 122/6 (RR: 3.13 RRR: 53/11 = 4.82)
NJ Astle 6-0-24-1 (1w) - Centennial Stand End
BBJ Griggs 14* (51b 1x4) JDP Oram 50* (74b 2x4)
like Harris, the left-handed middle order batsman has been the key
to keeping his team's hopes alive, but Oram has the added extra
responsibility of being captain
39.1 Harris to Griggs, one run, shortish ball angling on leg, tucked
away off the hip backward of point, tight run scampered as Martin
fields from further behind square, shying at the bowler's end but
going wide
39.2 Harris to Oram, two runs, comes down to meet a floated ball,
cleverly scooping strongly in the air over wide midwicket, a fair
bit of work for Burson down at wide long on to cut it off, that
brings up the 50 partnership off 88 balls
39.3 Harris to Oram, one run, scoops it again, this time getting it much
squarer, out to Doody at deep midwicket
39.4 Harris to Griggs, no run, floated very full outside off stump,
Griggs jams right down on it, not quite killing it dead as it
slowly trickles back in the crease, but just wide of the sticks
39.5 Harris to Griggs, no run, forward, defends back on the off side of
the pitch
39.6 Harris to Griggs, no run, firmly driven straight back down the
pitch to Harris
End of over 40 (4 runs) Central Districts 126/6 (RR: 3.15 RRR: 49/10 = 4.90)
CZ Harris 8-1-26-0 (1w) - Embankment End
JDP Oram 53* (76b 2x4) BBJ Griggs 15* (55b 1x4)
40.1 Astle to Oram, no run, forward, turns a shortish ball down to Stead
at shortish midwicket
40.2 Astle to Oram, no run, forward, defends a tight ball outside off
stump down to Harris at backward point
40.3 Astle to Oram, one run, firmly clipped wide of Redmond at mid off,
easy quick run taken with the shot
40.4 Astle to Griggs, no run, pushes through a quicker, full ball, huge
appeal for lbw from Astle but after good hard look from umpire
Hill, there is a shake of the head
40.5 Astle to Griggs, no run, tight ball on middle stump, firmly stroked
back up on the leg side of the pitch
40.6 Astle to Griggs, no run, stands tall on the crease to a shorter
ball on off stump, forced off the back foot up to Martin at mid
off
End of over 41 (1 run) Central Districts 127/6 (RR: 3.10 RRR: 48/9 = 5.33)
NJ Astle 7-0-25-1 (1w) - Centennial Stand End
JDP Oram 54* (79b 2x4) BBJ Griggs 15* (58b 1x4)
things get a fraction tighter, but the momentum is still with
Central, 48 needed off 54 balls
41.1 Harris to Oram, one run, stands tall, forcing off the back foot up
to Cunis at long off, looking for a quick second but Cunis is in
smartly to return
41.2 Harris to Griggs, no run, floated full but changes the pace
slightly, Griggs is made to wait and his straight drive is played
nowhere near as strongly as intended, Harris dives forward to
scoop it up off the deck
41.3 Harris to Griggs, one run, this time he gets a more regulation
straight drive past Harris, down to Burson at long off
41.4 Harris to Oram, SIX, it had to come, Oram knew he needed to break
the hold and dances down the track, smacking Harris hard and high
straight back over his head, and over the rope, a huge pressure
reliever
41.5 Harris to Oram, one run, floated full again, this time nonchalantly
turned along the ground out through forward square leg
41.6 Harris to Griggs, no run, stretches a long way forward down the
line to a straight ball on off stump, carefully keeping it out,
pushing straight to the bowler
End of over 42 (9 runs) Central Districts 136/6 (RR: 3.24 RRR: 39/8 = 4.88)
CZ Harris 9-1-35-0 (1w) - Embankment End
JDP Oram 62* (82b 2x4 1x6) BBJ Griggs 16* (61b 1x4)
42.1 Astle to Oram, no run, shortish ball, worked straight to Stead at
short midwicket
42.2 Astle to Oram, one run, tapped away backward of point towards
Harris, they set off for a near-suicidal quick run as it's
underhand flicked to the keeper, a stump is knocked clear out of
the ground and the replay is called for
but Griggs looks home, the replay is called for and he is indeed
safely through, very sharp running, but dangerous
42.3 Astle to Griggs, no run, but not this time! Astle pushes one
through quicker and takes the pad, a big appeal for lbw is turned
down but the batsmen are in confusion running as it rebounds away
towards Stead at midwicket
all sorts of to-ing and fro-ing between the batsmen before they
both get caught mid-pitch, Stead fires at the bowler's end and
hits direct, Griggs well short - lucky he hit direct as no fielder
was all the way up to the stumps, could've been another
embarrassment for Canterbury again
Central Districts 137/7, Partnership of 63
BBJ Griggs run out (Stead) 16 (62b 1x4 0x6)
things are certainly more interesting now, Oram holds the key to
the fortunes of the final result for either side now
Andrew Schwass the new batsman, at the non-striker's end
42.4 Astle to Oram, one run, full outside off stump, driven strongly
down to long off
42.5 Astle to Schwass, no run, forward, defends a ball on off stump in
close on the off side
42.6 Astle to Schwass, no run, good quicker ball outside off stump,
Schwass fiddles at it and misses, just sliding past the outside
edge
End of over 43 (2 runs) Central Districts 138/7 (RR: 3.21 RRR: 37/7 = 5.29)
NJ Astle 8-0-27-1 (1w) - Centennial Stand End
JDP Oram 64* (85b 2x4 1x6) AM Schwass 0* (2b)
Cunis replaces Harris at the Embankment End
43.1 Cunis to Oram, no run, quick ball outside off stump with the keeper
standing up, plays and misses from the crease trying to dab it
away
43.2 Cunis to Oram, no run, full outside off stump, cracked strongly
along the ground but straight to extra cover
43.3 Cunis to Oram, one run, slashing cut down through backward point,
Oram calls for the second but this time he struggles to make it
home, Martin's throw from the deep coming around from third man is
a fine one and Hopkins whips off the bails, the replay is called
for
this time Oram is found well short and he's on his way, a massive
blow for Central's chances now as the experienced Cantabrians hold
their calm in the tight situation
Central Districts 139/8, Partnership of 2
JDP Oram run out (Martin) 65 (88b 2x4 1x6)
Ewen Thompson the new batsman
43.4 Cunis to Thompson, no run, drives and misses at a widish ball
outside off stump
43.5 Cunis to Thompson, no run, full ball outside off stump, stroked
back up on the off side of the pitch, much shouting between the
batsmen "no, no, wait!" as Astle's quickly up to field
43.6 Cunis to Thompson, one run, angling on leg stump, turned away down
to Redmond at long leg
End of over 44 (2 runs) Central Districts 140/8 (RR: 3.18 RRR: 35/6 = 5.83)
SJ Cunis 6-1-16-0 - Embankment End
EP Thompson 1* (3b) AM Schwass 0* (2b)
44.1 Astle to Thompson, no run, forward, cut down straight to backward
point
44.2 Astle to Thompson, one run, shortish ball outside off stump, guided
down to Burson at third man
44.3 Astle to Schwass, one run, shortish ball on leg stump, tapped down
in close on the leg side, quick run taken quite safely in the end
44.4 Astle to Thompson, no run, straight ball turned straight to Stead
at midwicket, loud yell of 'no!' from Thompson before Schwass
advances too far down the track
44.5 Astle to Thompson, one run, driven straight down the ground to
Martin at long off
44.6 Astle to Schwass, no run, quick and full, taken on the pad, big
appeal for lbw from Astle but a shake of the head from umpire
Hill, suggestions there's a little nick in there saving him,
trickles away to short third man
End of over 45 (3 runs) Central Districts 143/8 (RR: 3.18 RRR: 32/5 = 6.40)
NJ Astle 9-0-30-1 (1w) - Centennial Stand End
EP Thompson 3* (7b) AM Schwass 1* (4b)
still Central aren't out of this one, 32 needed off 30 balls, smart
cricket even by the tail-enders could see them home
45.1 Cunis to Thompson, no run, walks forward out of the crease trying
to drive down the ground, places and misses as it's pushed a bit
wider
45.2 Cunis to Thompson, no run, Hopkins comes up to the stumps to keep
Thompson in his crease and it works, creasebound he can only play
and miss with no great freedom to open the arms up, great keeping
up to the sticks
45.3 Cunis to Thompson, one run, shorter ball, turned away towards
vacant midwicket, easy run as Anderson fields from straighter
45.4 Cunis to Schwass, one run, full and straight on the toes, driven
down to Astle at long on, looking for a second but they never ran
the first hard enough
45.5 Cunis to Thompson, no run, awful high full toss but Thompson is
thrown by it, only managing to awkwardly pat it down in close on
the leg side and after much stop-starting they stay at home, the
quick run is too risky
45.6 Cunis to Thompson, two runs, overpitched on the legs, well clipped
away through backward square leg, huge cheers as it races away
from Redmond chasing after it, but it's not that well timed and is
overhauled smartly
End of over 46 (4 runs) Central Districts 147/8 (RR: 3.20 RRR: 28/4 = 7.00)
SJ Cunis 7-1-20-0 - Embankment End
AM Schwass 2* (5b) EP Thompson 6* (12b)
28 needed off 24 balls, still anyone's game, not a bad finish from
what has unfortunately been a reasonably mediocre game by purists'
standards, barring the odd good performance
46.1 Astle to Schwass, legbye: one run, goes for a big heave over
midwicket, misses, into the pad and Astle briefly appeals before
pulling out, runs away towards short fine leg, quick run taken, 27
off 23 needed
46.2 Astle to Thompson, legbye: one run, Astle takes the pad once more,
no appeal this time as it struck outside off stump, runs down to
short third man for another leg bye
46.3 Astle to Schwass, two runs, tapped away towards Anderson at point,
quick run taken, super side on direct hit but it costs Canterbury
a run as Thompson was well hope, ricochets away down to Burson at
long leg
46.4 Astle to Schwass, one run, ugly looking scoop shot, dragging it
around the corner in the air down to Burson at long leg on the
bounce
46.5 Astle to Thompson, one run, very full ball outside off stump,
squeezed away out to Doody at deep cover
46.6 Astle to Schwass, no run, excellent ball to finish his spell,
yorker outside off stump, can only clamp down on it, bounces
straight up in the air for Hopkins to collect
End of over 47 (6 runs) Central Districts 153/8 (RR: 3.26 RRR: 22/3 = 7.33)
NJ Astle 10-0-34-1 (1w) - Centennial Stand End
EP Thompson 7* (14b) AM Schwass 5* (9b)
Astle bowls out his 10 overs, taking 1-34
47.1 Cunis to Thompson, no run, very quick ball sliding past outside off
stump, swing and miss from Thompson
47.2 Cunis to Thompson, one run, very full outside off stump, jammed
away towards cover point, quick run taken as Harris fields from
backward of point
down to 21 needed off 16
47.3 Cunis to Schwass, one run, full ball, squeezed away in close on the
leg side of the pitch, quick run taken, Hopkins scoots around from
behind the stumps and throws a direct hit at the bowler's end but
looked well safe, after some appealing the replay is called for,
quick green
light decision given
47.4 Cunis to Thompson, no run, another excellent full ball outside off
stump, squeezes it away towards Harris at point, they stutter on
the crease and stay at home, no point in committing hari-kiri,
down to 20 needed off 14
47.5 Cunis to Thompson, OUT: super yorker! straight through Thompson,
played over it and had no chance, Canterbury one wicket away from
victory
Central Districts 155/9, Partnership of 16
EP Thompson b Cunis 8 (18b 0x4 0x6)
AM Schwass 6* (10b) SJ Cunis 7.5-1-22-1
Brent Hefford the final batsman, not a reputed player with willow
in hand, it's down to him to provide the strike to Schwass
47.6 Cunis to Hefford, legbye: one run, angling on leg stump, glances it
off the thigh pad, Hopkins dives to his right and partially stops
it but concedes the run as it rolls away behind him
End of over 48 (3 runs) Central Districts 156/9 (RR: 3.25 RRR: 19/2 = 9.50)
SJ Cunis 8-1-22-1 - Embankment End
BE Hefford 0* (1b) AM Schwass 6* (10b)
Hefford, unfortunately retains the strike for himself, to face
Martin from the Centennial Stand End with 19 needed off 12 balls
48.1 Martin to Hefford, one run, well played! full ball pushed up
towards mid off, time to rotate the strike for Schwass, easy
single there in the end, 18 off 11 needed
48.2 Martin to Schwass, two runs, very full ball, jammed tremendously
hard into the ground, flies a long way over the heads of Stead and
Redmond in the extra cover region, Redmond just overhauling inside
the boundary, they stay for two to keep the better batsman on
strike
48.3 Martin to Schwass, two runs, Schwass grabs two more! full ball
picked off his legs through wide midwicket, Astle around from long
on to field, down to 14 off 9 needed
48.4 Martin to Schwass, OUT: but it's all over! Martin reels out another
fabulous yorker, the castle is well and truly rattled, the excited
crowd are silenced and Martin charges through to celebrate wildly
with his team-mates
Central Districts 161/10, Partnership of 6
AM Schwass b Martin 10 (13b 0x4 0x6)
BE Hefford 1* (2b) CS Martin 8.4-0-35-4 (1w)
Canterbury are victorious by 13 runs, stealing this first final
somehow, after batting disastrously for such a long period, they
didn't look like they'd be able to muster anywhere near enough
until Harris and Anderson came to the rescue
then the fashion in which Martin and Burson set Central right back
on their heels at the start of their innings, like Canterbury
themselves had been earlier in the day, to 16/3 and later 48/5 and
74/6, inspired the charge from victory
the self-belief, even in this relatively weak Canterbury team by
comparison with many of the sides it has put on the past glory
decade, was evident, they knew they've done it hard in the past
and still won through, and did it yet again today
just like the final between Canterbury and Auckland at Auckland
last year, Canterbury mustered a poor total but still squeaked
through in the end, the never-say-die attitude burning many
opponents in the last few years
the younger, generally more inexperienced Central line-up put up a
brave fight, but really should've won this game and done it quite
convincingly, and to now have to get up and win two in two days at
Jade Stadium will be a tall order indeed
one has to feel a bit for poor Jacob Oram - it was all set up for
him to cap a great day, being selected in the New Zealand One-Day
International side again, bowling a very good 10-over spell, and
then almost playing the fairy tale captain's knock to steer his
team from peril to victory, only to come up just short
another to hurt will be Mark Douglas, who will have now played his
last one-day match in front of a home crowd, unfortunately not
being able to follow up his heroics from the semi-final win of
three days ago
that's all from McLean Park for today, please join us again on
Saturday the 27th as these two sides meet again at Jade Stadium in
Christchurch, a day/nighter starting at 2:30pm local time (0130
GMT)
it's a do-or-die clash for Central Districts, while a Canterbury
win can wrap up their 8th Shell Cup title in 10 seasons, which
would extend their already remarkable record
until then, it's goodbye from CricInfo in Napier! if you have any
comments about today's coverage, please don't hesitate to send
them on in to comms@cricinfo.com - we appreciate all feedback
received
Match State: End of match