Cricket: Stalemate not in CD repertoire on day 4

Greg Hay.

After four days of first-class cricket, teams receive the same points regardless of whether they draw or lose.

For that reason, don't expect the winless Devon Hotel Central Districts Stags to push for a stalemate against the Wellington Firebirds at McLean Park, Napier, on day four today.

"As a young squad we have to learn to win, not draw cricket matches," said CD coach Heinrich Malan last night before the hosts will resume today in their second dig with a 265-run lead and seven wickets in hand.

Opening batsman Greg Hay, 95 not out, and first-innings century maker George Worker is unbeaten on 35 at No5.

Sitting on 211/3 and 97 overs left on the final day, it'll be interesting to see when the William Young-captained Stags will throw down the gauntlet.

"We'll approach it session by session ... and see where we get at by lunchtime," Malan said.

The Stags are under no illusions about how difficult a task it'll be on a "good track".
Promoted opener Hay is five runs shy of his maiden century this summer and his career seventh provided there are no hiccups this morning.

"Haysey's batted well in the first innings, too, so we've had a couple of good opening partnerships with both [Hay and Ben Smith] getting close to the 50 mark."

Conversely it's been a baptism of fire for debutant No3 Mitchell Renwick, who registered a pair, although Malan stressed some of the best batsmen in the world have found themselves in that position and Renwick won't be the last but would overcome any mental barriers.

He praised seamer Kurt Richards for a milestone 3-77, a decade after making his debut.