Canterbury in charge against Central Districts

Central Districts batsman Tom Bruce announced himself with a maiden first-class century although Canterbury were still staring down a victory after day three of their Plunket Shield match at Nelson’s Saxton Oval on Thursday.

Having conceded a 113-run first innings lead after declaring at 350-9 just prior to lunch, Central were ultimately left an imposing 419-run victory target off 117 overs with one day remaining after Canterbury also declared their second innings closed at 305-5 during the final session.

It was ample time for Neil Broom to also score his 14th first class century, working a single off Seth Rance to secure his ton off 135 balls before he was eventually bowled by Rance for 123. But with 18 overs left in the day, Central were already struggling at 46-2 at stumps.

Canterbury’s late aggression might have over-shadowed Bruce’s earlier efforts, although the 23-year old Taranaki righthander showed plenty of substance in just his fifth first-class outing, the previous four having already netted him five half centuries and a top score of 94 against Northern Districts in New Plymouth last month.

Rance provided plenty of entertainment, adopting a horizontal bat approach to club 40 runs off as many balls as part of a gritty 65-run ninth wicket stand. Rance’s forthright attack included three fours and two sixes as Bruce continued to prosper at the other end.

Legspinner Todd Astle finally ended Rance’s resistance, the right-hander stumped by Cameron Fletcher at 314-9, leav- ing Mathieson with the task of trying to see Bruce through to his century.

There were some anxious moments, although Mathieson defended stoutly, also managing two boundaries, before Bruce finally lofted Andy Ellis back over his head to post three figures.

A century third-wicket partnership between Leo Carter, in just his second first-class match, and Broom countered the early loss of Ronnie Hira (13) and Peter Fulton (2) at 32-2 in Canterbury’s second innings.

Carter was dropped twice at second slip off Andrew Mathieson on 17 and 23 before finally hoisting left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel over deep mid-wicket for six to bring up his 50 off 88 balls.

He survived another caught and bowled chance on 66 to other left-armer George Worker, the man who’d already dropped him twice in the slips, as Central continued to pay for their fielding lapses.

Broom also eased to his 50 off 87 balls before Carter finally departed for 73 (111 balls) ironically caught at slip off Worker, to end a 125-run stand at 157-3.

With a declaration in their sights, Broom and Henry Nicholls (39 off 27 balls) increased the tempo in a brisk 68-run stand, leaving Andy Ellis and Broom to blast 80 runs in their fifth-wicket partnership, Ellis finishing unbeaten on 43 off 23 balls at the declaration. Broom faced 149 balls and hit 16 fours and a six.