CD in late fight back
The two Plunket Shield games that went ahead on Monday look set for tense final days.
Most of yesterday’s drama was reserved for Mainpower Oval in Rangiora, as Canterbury and Auckland’s match was abandoned due to an unsafe pitch.
But the rest of the day three action ebbed and flowed, with all results just about still on offer when play resumes today in the Wellington v Central Districts, and Otago v Northern Districts, matches.
Jeetan Patel’s 28th first-class fivewicket haul gave Wellington the upper hand early on day three of the top-of-table clash at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.
The offspinner took 5-116 to help dismiss Central for 423, giving his side a 107-run lead. Ollie Newton also took 3-99.
Plenty of Central batsmen made handy contributions. Four of the top six scored more than 69, but none could crack three figures, with Tom Bruce’s 89 the best of the lot.
Central managed to fight back into the contest in a big way, with Blair Tickner taking 4-44 as Wellington were struggling at 118-6 at the close of play.
It was a bad day to be a Wellington batsman, especially if it was your birthday. First-innings centurion and opener Luke Woodcock was hit on the helmet by a bouncer from Adam Milne in the fifth over, forcing him to retire hurt and leaving him with a sore head to deal with as a 35th birthday present.
Wellington’s other first-innings centurion, Malcolm Nofal, saw out a hat-trick ball, but was gone soon after, followed by Patel, as the collapse reached a dire stage.
Devon Conway and Ollie Newton got their team through to stumps, but with a lead of just 219 it is set to be an enthralling final day.
A competitive declaration from Northern Districts in Whangarei set up the possibility of a result heading into day four against Otago.
Northern started the day at 97-3, but lost nightwatchman Jimmy Baker within four balls of the resumption. Michael Rippon was the best of the Otago bowlers with
4-73.
Daryl Mitchell’s 51 not out meant Northern got to 104 runs behind Otago with eight wickets down, which was enough for Daniel Flynn to call his batsman in and have a crack at the Otago openers.
Both teams are battling away in mid table, so a draw does nothing for either of them. Otago raced out to
101-3 off 23 overs by the close of play and are likely to declare early on day four.