Phillips’maiden ton lifts Volts

A 184-run partnership and a maiden century to Dale Phillips has lifted the Otago Volts from the brink of despair to a dominant position in their Plunket Shield clash against the Central Stags.

At the close of day one yesterday, the Volts were 321-5 with Phillips unbeaten on 134 after spending 79 overs at the crease. His previous highest score was 83.

The penultimate round and next weekend’s round eight are dead rubbers in the championship race, with Canterbury already carrying an unassailable lead.

Otago, who won the toss and elected to bat, found themselves in early trouble when openers and former Black Caps Hamish Rutherford and Anaru Kitchen departed just seven runs into the home side’s innings.

Nick Kelly then got things on track with a classy 57 until he failed to connect when sweeping and found himself trapped in front by left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox.

Phillips, who finished with 20 fours and one six, was then joined by all-rounder Michael Rippon and the pair put on 184, batting more than 57 overs together before Rippon chopped a ball onto his stumps to hand Blair Tickner his second wicket.

Meanwhile, less than 24 hours on from the Black Caps’ ODI 164-run victory over Bangladesh, red-ball cricket will grace the Basin Reserve when thewellington Firebirds host Northern Districts today.

Wellington will be boosted by the return of Black Cap-in-waiting Rachin Ravindra from a shoulder injury.

Canterbury, who have already locked away the Plunket Shield, take on the Auckland Aces at Eden Park’s Outer Oval in a match that also starts today.