Plunket Shield. Round Five Summary

In Nelson there was some wonderful scoreboard symmetry in the top of the table clash between CD and Wellington. W 171, CD 172, W 172, CD 172/3.  And it was another three day match.  CD is now the only unbeaten side, yet Wellington remains top.  Just.

It was another three dayer in Auckland where the hosts prevailed by 24 runs.   And at the wonderful Molyneux Park ND won by 25 runs.  You can’t ask for more than that really.

Batsme

Tim Seifert put in a late challenge for the vacant New Zealand slot with an undefeated 167 for Northern Districts.  In the same match Brad Wilson scored 111 for Otago.

In the low scoring affair in Nelson two knocks stood out.  Fraser Colson stood out by making 88 (more than half of Wellington’s runs) in the first innings with Greg Hay anchoring the chase for the hosts with 85*.

Glen Phillips, not keeping for Auckland in this round, made 104; his second first class century.  While the actual keeper for the match, Ben Horne, made 75. The unfortunately named Mark Chapman made 76 in the home side’s first innings in that match.

Bowlers

But what exactly is Glen Phillips?  The Aucklander who has represented New Zealand as a keeper-batsman backed up his century in this round by taking 3/45 as Canterbury threatened to chase down their target.

With Bennett and Van Beek called up for New Zealand A duties, and Ollie Newton going down injured early it was up to Iain McPeake who claimed his maiden five-wicket bag (5/50).

In the same match CD’s Blair Tickner produced the 41st hat-trick (in case you’re counting) in New Zealand first-class cricket in taking 4/45.

At Alexandra there were five wicket bags for Brent Arnel  (5/76), Jacob Duffy (5/49) and, opening the bowling in the final innings, Ish Sodhi (5/124).  He took 9 wickets in the match and those Sodhi Drums have started beating again.

This competition resumes on March 1^st.