Fletcher makes second Trophy ton
A second century for rookie Wellington opener Andrew Fletcher provided the highlight of round three of the Ford Trophy.
Wellington v Otago, Basin Reserve
Andrew Fletcher made his second ton in three outings as hosts Wellington Firebirds demolished the Otago Volts by 193 runs yesterday.
Fletcher made 132 not out in his List A debut for the Firebirds in round one and backed that up in round three with another big century. The 25-year-old opener made 125 from 150 balls as the hosts tallied 301-6 batting first in their 50 overs at the Basin Reserve.
The right-hander struck 11 fours and a six and was involved in two big partnerships – putting on 152 for the second wicket with Devon Conway (74 off 91 balls) and then 137 for the third wicket with Michael Bracewell, who contributed 66 off 51 balls (four sixes and three fours) after making 120 in his previous innings.
In reply, Otago crumbled after a decent start to be all out for 108 in just 31 overs to give Wellington their biggest List A match winning margin.
Former Black Caps Jimmy Neesham led the Wellington bowling effort with 3-17 off seven overs, while paceman Hamish Bennett took 2-15 off six.
Another ex-New Zealand rep, Hamish Rutherford, made the only tally of note for the Volts with 44 off 73 balls. He and fellow opener Mitch Renwick (25 off 23) put on 38 for the first wicket in 8.1 overs before 10 wickets tumbled for 70.
It was Wellington’s second win in three matches.
Wellington 301-6 (A Fletcher
125, D Conway 74, M Bracewell
66no; J Duffy 2-45, N Smith 2-53) beat Otago 108 all out in 31 overs (H Rutherford 44; J Neesham 3-17, M Nofal 2-4, H Bennett 2-15) by 193 runs.
Canterbury Auckland,
vHagley Oval
Black Caps test batsman Henry Nicholls had a starring role for Canterbury in a six-run win over Auckland.
Used in an opening role by the hosts, Nicholls made 89 off 11 balls as Canterbury reached 243 before being dismissed in the final over.
The left-hander hit eight fours while Cole McConchie added impetus later with 74 off 68 balls, striking three fours and two sixes. When Nicholls was dismissed in the 44th over, Canterbury were well-placed to push on but Auckland’s bowlers fought back well. Allrounder Sean Solia took 4-38 off 9.3 overs while Michael Barry nabbed 3-25 off three.
Opening Auckland’s chase, Solia made a slow 39 off 66 balls before being run out. Robbie O’Donnell (48 off 70) also struggled to match the pace required until Ben Horne’s 56 off
58 balls got Auckland close. McConchie celebrated a notable double by taking 3-41 off eight overs.
Canterbury 243 all out in
49.3 overs (H Nicholls 89, C McConchie 74; S Solia 4-38, M Barry 3-25) beat Auckland 237-9 in 50 overs (B Horne 56, R O’Donnell 48, S Solia 39, F Allen
37; McConchie 3-41, W Williams
2-46) by six runs.
CD v ND, Saxton Oval
No play was possible in Nelson due to early rain, with the match being abandoned mid-afternoon.