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Day 2: Country in crucial run chase

Canterbury Country's chances of keeping the the Districts Cup cricket trophy over the winter break hinge on the continuation of an unbroken century partnership at Rangiora's Dudley Park today.

Country was 226 for three wickets at stumps last night, chasing challenger Nelson's first innings total of 348.

Canterbury Shell Trophy batsman Brad Doody, who was 94 not out overnight, and Mark Patterson (62 not out) put on 123 in a critical third-wicket stand for Country.

Doody batted for 227min, faced 173 balls, and hit 16 boundaries, while Patterson had 12 fours during 139min at the crease.

The pair came together with Country at 163 for three after Nelson all-rounder Andrew Schwass had both Nathan Jones and Harley James trapped leg before wicket.

The first session of the final day will be critical to the outcome of an evenly poised match.

Canterbury Country successfully defended the Districts Cup for the first time in its history against Dunedin City a fortnight ago.

It needs 123 runs today to take first innings honours and retain the trophy.

Country looked in a strong position after the first day, with Nelson reaching 242 for eight wickets at stumps on Saturday.

But the doughty Nelson lower order cracked on 108 runs for the final two wickets, with Schwass playing a virtuoso role.

The number nine batsman, who top scored with 65, slammed 10 fours and a six off 116 balls as he and Scott Inglis added 88 runs for the 10th wicket.

Inglis contributed 37, including six boundaries before Nelson's innings ended in the final over before lunch.

Day 3: Doody's double ton display delivers Districts Cup

Former New Zealand cricket academy batsman Brad Doody blasted his way to a maiden double century to ensure Canterbury Country retained the Districts Cup against Nelson at Rangiora.

Doody resumed yesterday at 94 not out, and cracked 118 runs in the first session of the final day at Dudley Park.

Country needed to make 349 runs to secure a first-innings win, and with Doody in full cry, it made short work of the challenge.

The Oxford batsman made 223, slaming 35 fours and three sixes. He batted for 377min and faced 295 balls.

The game ended early after Doody was finally dismissed with the score at 410 for five.

Doody, who had been dropped from the Canterbury Shell Series team after a lean trot this season, ended his cricketing year on a high note,

``It's the first time I've ever scored 200 and obviously I'm happy about that,'' Doody said.

``But individual milestones are secondary to the team's performance. I'm just pleased we got through for the win, so we can keep the cup over the winter.''

Country had only advanced its overnight tally of 226 by a mere two runs before Nelson struck a telling blow in the first over yesterday. Mark Patterson, who had shared a century partnership with Doody, was trapped leg before wicket by Andrew Schwass.

But Country skipper Greg Lewis joined Doody at the crease and they proceeded to put on 182 runs for the fifth wicket, with Lewis not out on 41.

Doody, who resumed at 94 and reached his century within 15min, said his intentions were ``to bat out time and play straight''.

``In the latter stages, I played my shots more. Nelson kept the field up and tried to get me out.''

Doody said Country had a strong team this season, with ``a good nucleus of young players and experienced guys, like (former Canterbury pace bowler) Michael Sharpe.''

Canterbury Country Cricket Association executive director Peter Devlin said the current team would rate as one of the best in the association's history.

Country's next challenge will be in January.