Cricket: Henry puts Canterbury in pole position for Shield

Derek de Boorder. Photo / Paul Estcourt

Young strike bowler Matt Henry has put Canterbury firmly in the driving seat to claim cricket's Plunket Shield.

Henry, 19, grabbed a five-wicket bag, his second of the season, when he returned five for 54 as Northern Districts were skittled for 149 in their first innings, having resumed on their overnight score of 36 for three.

Henry, who took all three wickets on Monday while conceding 23 runs, has now claimed 16 from four first class showings at an average of 11.75.

Northern Districts, whose best score was a 36 by Hamish Marshall, were unable to recover from Henry's onslaught, which Andy Ellis supported ably by taking three for 22 off 5.1 overs.

At close, Canterbury were poised to take first innings points, needing another 20 runs to overtake Northern Districts having scored 130 for three with Peter Fulton, 60 not out, responsible for the lion's share.

By taking first innings points, Canterbury would move to 35 points, leaving Northern Districts and Central Districts, both on 29, to chase outright wins if they are to stay in the running.

At Queenstown, Wellington's hopes crumbled under an outstanding innings by Otago's Derek de Boorder.

De Boorder, resuming on 13 not out overnight, struck 122 not out to notch his second consecutive century, having scored 119 not out in Otago's ninth-round match with Northern Districts.

His side started the day at 213 for four and in a fruitful partnership, de Boorder harvested 130 runs with Warren McSkimming, who was 53 not out when Otago declared on 441 for eight.

At close, Wellington were 57 for one, 385 away from first innings points with two days to play.

At Napier, Central Districts' hopes faded as Auckland continued to occupy the crease on another weather-affected day. When rain forced the teams off Nelson Park early, Auckland were 382 for four in their first innings after resuming on 267 for two.

Andrew de Boorder, 60 not out overnight, calmly motored on to his second century of the season.

At stumps he was 102 not out and will resume today with skipper Gareth Hopkins, who is 26 not out.

- NZPA