HITTING THE MARK

Hamish Rutherford’s wonderful innings of 154 against Canterbury at the University of Otago Oval on Wednesday got us thinking where it would rank in relation to some of the other valuable oneday innings for the Volts over the years.

Obviously it is not No 1. That spot is reserved in perpetuity for Brendon McCullum’s work of art when he pummelled 170 during the oneday final in 2008 (pictured). Neil Broom scored 164 against Canterbury on New Year’s Eve in 2009. But that was at Aorangi Oval in Timaru in a game in which 781 runs were scored and loses marks as a result.

Anaru Kitchen smashed 143 not out against Northern Districts in Dunedin two years ago and must rank highly. He led the side to a twowicket win against an attack featuring Scott Kuggeleijn, Ish Sodhi and Boult — Jono Boult. The spinner is not quite as good as his brother Trent, though.

What made Rutherford’s knock so special was the way he protected some of the inexperienced players in the lineup and then changed gears once his side was in a good spot. Email is your thoughts on great oneday innings for Otago.