Barnett runs out of partners as CD fall
A captain’s knock from Nelson’s B J Barnett could not save Central Districts A from their third consecutive oneday defeat at the national Provincial A tournament in Lincoln yesterday.
Chasing a total of 313 runs for victory against Otago A, Barnett finished unbeaten on 75 runs but ran out of partners as Central were bowled for 239.
Otago claimed a comprehensive 73-run victory at Bert Sutcliffe Oval at Lincoln University.
Earlier, New Zealand under-19 allrounder Connor Neynens, of Nelson, did his best with the ball, taking three wickets.
Neynens removed Otago captain Iain Robertson on 96.
Barnett was also difficult to get away. He went for 53 runs from his 10 overs, claiming one wicket.
On Friday, Central Districts fell to a 21-run loss in their thirdround match against Northern Districts at Lincoln Green despite a century by Nelson’s Greg Hay.
It looked like Central were in control for much of their pursuit of Northern’s 308 but late wickets proved crucial as Central were held to 289 for eight.
Needing over 300 for victory, the reply centred on Hay, who showed wonderful form for Central with 102 from 114 balls.
He found plenty of cameos to help him out at the other end but the steady flow of wickets slowly caused the required runrate to climb.
Just as Central tried to accelerate, they lost several wickets and continued to fall behind the asking rate.
Neynens did his valiant best with an unbeaten 47 from 27 but it was to no avail.
Hay’s heroics came to an end in the penultimate over and Northern claimed the points.
Central’s only victory in the one-day series came in their first match against defending champions Auckland. Central Districts A were due to play one final oneday game against Canterbury A at Bert Sutcliffe Oval today.
The Twenty20 games begin tomorrow, with Central playing Northern Districts.