Stags still lead way
The Central Stags might take a handy Plunket Shield lead heading into the Super Smash.
Already domestic four-day cricket’s standard bearers, the Stags pushed their nose further in front with an innings and 84-run win over Otago yesterday. Early rain was just about the Stags’ only enemy in Alexandra, where they eventually bowled Otago out for 265.
After three four-day outrights, CD have a 13 point lead in the competition from Northern Districts, who beat Wellington by 98 runs. Auckland are next, after their four-wicket win at home over Canterbury.
Former South Africa under-19 spinner Dean Foxcroft ended with seven wickets on his first-class debut.
Now based in Hawke’s Bay, the 20-year-old offie has shown he can bat by scoring an unbeaten 120 in the Ford Trophy and has now backed that up with 4-57 as the Stags sealed victory over Otago.
Foxcroft’s Hawke’s Bay teammate Brad Schmulian did his bit with the ball. Better known as a top-order batsman, Schmulian took 3-31 with his legspinners including the big wicket of Josh Finnie.
Finnie had made a very patient 72, as Otago set about the huge task of trying to bat the day out.
Schmulian couldn’t be denied, though, sneaking a wrong-un through the gate to knock Finnie over. From there it was just a matter of mopping up the tail.
At Molyneux Park, Alexandra: Central Districts 511-6 dec beat Otago Volts 162 and 265 (Josh Finnie 72, Cam Hawkins 61, Shawn Hicks 40; Dean Foxcroft 4-57, Brad Schmulian 3-31, Josh Clarkson 2-28) by an innings and 84 runs.
In Hamilton, the home side’s spinner Joe Walker had a day to remember as Wellington were bowled out for 142, chasing 241 to beat Northern Districts.
The Firebirds began poorly and never got a great deal better. By the time Walker trapped Devon Conway leg before wicket for 62, the Firebirds were 139-8 and done for.
At Seddon Park, Hamilton: Northern Districts 251 and 276 beat Wellington Firebirds 287-9 dec and 142 (Devon Conway 62; Joe Walker 5-25, Scott Kuggeleijn 2-36, James Baker 2-40) by 98 runs.
Mark Chapman led Auckland to a fine win over Canterbury.
In another low-scoring game, the Aces were left needing 257 to win. After a couple of early wickets, Auckland did it fairly comfortably thereafter. Chapman made 89, with good support from Glenn Phillips 60.
At Eden Park: Canterbury 220 and 250-9 lost to Auckland 246 and 257-6 (Mark Chapman 89, Glenn Phillips 60, Finn Allen 56 no, Robbie O’Donnell 23; Theo van Woerkom 4-94) by 4 wickets.