Schmulian makes history on debut
Central Districts batsman Brad Schmulian broke a record held since the late 19th century with his double ton against Northern Districts, but their match is heading for a draw ahead of the final day.
Schmulian registered the highest ever score on debut in first class cricket in New Zealand with
203 - passing the previous record of
175 set in the 1880/81 season. The Hawke’s Bay batsman came to the crease at No 5 on day three with CD in trouble on 59-4 in their first innings in reply to ND’s
439-5 declared at Mt Maunganui. But he motored to a century from 105 balls and was eventually out for 203 when he was caught and bowled by ND spinner Anton Devcich with CD 309-6 - trailing by
130 runs.
The former Auckland A and age-group representative was ability assisted by Doug Bracewell, who was unbeaten on 60 when Schmulian passed 200.
Schmulian reached his double century with a four through the covers but was out just two balls later.
He finished on 203 from 207 balls having smashed 31 fours and three sixes.
CD then declared on 313-7 - still trailing by 126 - with day one having been lost due to rain and ND finished the third day leading by 143 runs.
ND were 17-1 at the close of play with opener Tim Seifert the man out for one off the bowling of Seth Rance.
❚ Otago are on the verge of beating Canterbury at the Hagley Oval after a dominant opening partnership between Hamish Rutherford and Brad Wilson on day three in Christchurch.
Rutherford (90) and Wilson (63) made 162 for the first wicket and Otago finished on 192-2 - just 47 runs shy of their victory target ahead of the final day.
Canterbury, who trailed by 61 runs after the first innings, had fought back on day two to lead by
95 with six wickets in hand and Ben Hampton blasted 60 from 55 balls to push the hosts towards 300.
But Mark Craig’s 4-87 included removing Hampton and Leo Carter (44) as Canterbury were all out for 299 in their second innings.
Otago were set 239 for victory and openers Rutherford and Wilson made light work of a potentially challenging total with a partnership of 162 inside 46 overs.
Blake Coburn quickly removed both Rutherford and Wilson in the final session with the latter 10 runs shy of a century, but Canterbury’s bowlers were then frustrated by Rob Nicol (6no) and Neil Broom
(23no), who will both return to the crease on the final day.
Nicol and Broom batted until the close of play having faced 51 and 56 balls respectively as Otago moved closer to victory.
❚ Wellington wrapped up a comprehensive victory over Auckland inside three days after Michael Papps had ripped up record books with his triple century on Tuesday.
The Firebirds, after declaring on 553-3 with veteran opener Papps unbeaten on 316no, bowled Auckland out for 286 in their second innings at the Basin Reserve to win by an innings and 205 runs.
Auckland were skittled for just 62 in their first innings, which featured five ducks from their top seven batsmen, before Papps and Luke Woodcock (151) amassed a staggering 432 runs for the highest opening partnership in New Zealand domestic history.
Papps’ 316 from 435 balls was the highest first class score by a Wellington batsman and Auckland trailed by 491 runs when the hosts declared on 553-3.
Black Caps opener Jeet Raval top scored with 73 as Auckland replied with a more credible 286 after their calamitous first batting effort, but six different Wellington bowlers knocked the Aces over.
Firebirds paceman Ian McPeake finished with 3-51 as Auckland, who were 245-5, lost their last five wickets for 41 runs.
Auckland No 5 Mark Chapman chipped in with 61 but his wicket sparked their final collapse as Wellington romped to victory in a match that Papps will never forget after clobbering 51 fours and one six for his astonishing triple ton.