Henry rips into Firebirds

Another Matt Henry pace bowling clinic looks set to continue Canterbury’s late season charge up the Plunket Shield ladder.

The Black Caps seamer, released after he wasn’t required for the first test against Bangladesh, returned to snare the 14th five-wicket bag of his first-class career and hurl Wellington against the ropes at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

Henry took 5-46 off 24.1 overs as they skittled the Firebirds for 249, with skipper Michael Bracewell (74) one of his victims.

It meant Canterbury led by 175 thanks to Cole McConchie’s knock of 162, and it didn’t get much better for the visitors when asked to follow on. At stumps the Firebirds were teetering at 153-6. Henry was on his way to a 10-wicket bag with 3-29.

Central Stags’ all-international bowling attack lifted them into a strong position against Otago in Napier as they try to chase down leaders Auckland.

The towering figure of Blair Tickner was the key man for the hosts, snaring 4-25 as Otago were dismissed for 244 in reply to the Stags’ mammoth 584-8 declared.

Trailing by 340 Otago had plenty of work to avoid an innings defeat and openers Cam Hawkins and Hamish Rutherford put on 111.

But Tickner struck again to remove Hawkins for 52 late in the day to continue their push for victory.

Auckland maintained the upper hand over Northern Districts but need the game to advance quickly on the final day to claim outright points.

Having declared on 468-9 on day two, the Aces toiled for 145 overs to finally dismiss ND and take a first innings lead of 92.

At stumps the Aces led by 123 after reaching 31-0. At Hagley Oval, Christchurch (day 3): At McLean Park, Napier (day 3):