Wellington completed an outstanding run chase to score 352 runs to beat Otago in their State Championship match on a superb Carisbrook pitch today.

Otago commenced at 175/5 and batted forcefully to score another 27 runs before declaring at 202/5. Andrew Hore 54 and Craig Pryor 35 remained unbeaten and looked in control for most of their respective innings.

Wellington set off in pursuit of the 352 for victory at breakneck speed and the Otago attack of Kerry Walmsley, David Sewell, Pryor and Rob Smith were made to look almost like spectators.

Nothing it seemed would stop them as, first, Richard Jones reached his hundred from 136 balls, and then Matthew Bell his from 186 balls, and then they passed the Wellington record for the first wicket against Otago in first-class cricket. The previous record was 259 held by Michael Austen and John Aiken at Wellington in 1994/95.

Craig Cumming, the straightest of the Otago bowlers, put the brakes on the scoring at times but it was just a case of repair work as the two Wellington openers marched on and on.

Finally, when Jones was out for 171 - scored off only 196 balls with 20 fours and two sixes - and the score was 299 victory was definitely assured. The Wellington score was the ninth highest successful fourth innings run chase in New Zealand cricket history.

Wellington coach Vaughn Johnson, who was naturally thrilled with the victory, told Cricinfo that after his side had bowled only averagely on day two he had given them a long and hard talk. They had always intended to pull out behind and go for the outright but realised that 352 was not going to be an easy target.

Bell, who was unbeaten on 131 off 246 balls, had worked very hard since returning from Australia and Jones, after a disappointing duck in the first innings, was full of determination. As they progressed towards the target of 352 they were very aware of the records that stood in front of them and this had spurred them on.

For Otago, the defeat was disappointing and their fourth in succession. They had batted well in the match but on a good pitch their bowling lacked some bite - perhaps on this pitch any bowling lacks bite? Walmsley at least had the satisfaction of taking the two wickets that fell at a cost of 79 runs.

Full marks go to Wellington however - to get 352 in the fourth innings of a match is a remarkable achievement and even more so when losing only two wickets along the way.

© CricInfo