Canterbury set Wellington a target only three other teams have achieved in domestic cricket history in New Zealand when leaving them 410 to score to win their State Championship match at Rangiora tomorrow.

Wellington were 71/1 at stumps, still 339 from their goal.

Canterbury and Wellington have played some fantastic cricket matches over the years, and if Wellington can get up, or even close, another thriller may be on the cards.

Given the batting collapses both teams have suffered at various stages of the game it would be a minor miracle if it was that close at the end.

The only previous successful chases ahead of what Wellington require in the record books are: 475 by Wellington in 1994/95, 473 by Canterbury in 1930/31 and 453 by Northern Districts in 1995/96.

Wellington's batsmen will have their mettle tested fully by a Canterbury attack which offers all the bowling possible from the right-handed side of the bowling spectrum.

Canterbury declared at 288/6 today after the provision of an example of the batting riches contained in the pitch for those prepared to build an innings in the manner achieved by Chris Harris 117 not out and Aaron Redmond 101 during their record Canterbury sixth wicket stand against all comers of 209 runs. The stand was the third-best stand for the wicket among inter-association teams.

For Redmond it was a maiden first-class century that was richly earned and which followed five previous half centuries and a highest score of 92 which was achieved playing for New Zealand A against Sussex last year.

Harris was outstanding. The whole exercise was a mere continuation of the batting paradise Rangiora has become for him. In matches on Dudley Park his scores now read: 14, 0, 29, 251 not out, 33, 13, 46, 79, 70, 117 not out.

His total is 652 runs in seven matches for an average of 81.50.

It is a fine record and his batting today bore all the hallmarks of the experience he has accrued on the first-class scene. By comparison with his first innings which had four sixes for his first four boundary shots, he was much more subdued today, hitting 11 fours and a six.

Sitting on two overnight, he rebuilt his innings sensibly, especially after losing skipper Gary Stead when the score was 59. At one stage Redmond was threatening to outscore Harris but the arrival of off-spinner Jeetan Patel eased the pressure the medium pacers had been exerting.

Harris cashed in and posted his 50 off 85 balls in 120 minutes while the 100 partnership came up with a lovely Harris off drive to the boundary from Matthew Walker's bowling. It took 123 minutes and 193 balls.

Redmond scored his 50 in 129 minutes off 108 balls. The only chance either gave was when Harris was on 65 and offered a chance back to bowler Patel which he wasn't able to hold as he dived to his right.

The second new ball slowed proceedings down, but only briefly as the pair carried on with Harris reaching his century in 248 minutes off 187 balls with 11 fours and a six and when Redmond cover drove a ball from Walker for four to go to 98 and placed the next ball backwards of square for two, he scored his century in 233 minutes off 177 balls.

At the same time he brought up the 200 stand off 360 balls.

As has happened so often in this game, a break in play produced a wicket and it was Redmond's misfortune to be bowled by Ash Turner for 101 straight after the tea break.

That gave Wellington its solitary delight from the day as Turner achieved the notable milestone of a five wicket bag, at a cost of 66 runs, on debut.

Wellington lost Phil Chandler for 11 with the score on 16, but a solid recovery was made by skipper Richard Jones and Selwyn Blackmore, who scored 40 and 16 respectively, knowing that they must get Wellington through the first hour tomorrow, while also getting the score over the psychological barrier of less than 300 to get as quickly as possible.

It has turned into an intriguing contest with the prospect of two Canterbury spin bowlers in off-spinner Paul Wiseman and leg-spinner Redmond looking to carry their side home to a rare victory in recent times.

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