Cricket: Opener Rutherford outstanding in double ton for Otago

Hamish Rutherford. Photo / NZPA

Hamish Rutherford scored a double century in a standout performance for Otago on the second day of the final round of the Plunket Shield yesterday.

The left-handed opener, the son of former New Zealand international Ken, began the day on 101 not out against Wellington at Dunedin's University Oval, and finished with 239 off 347 balls, a knock which included 36 fours.

The 22-year-old's previous highest first-class score was 118 against Northern Districts in Hamilton earlier this month. He had scored 108 in the first innings.

Rutherford, with help from Derek de Boorder (92) and Craig Cumming (56) allowed Otago to finish the day on 486-7, a lead of 374.

Northern Districts, needing only two bonus points to secure the title, failed in their first task when bowled out for 244 against Central Districts in Napier.

Peter McGlashan, with 72, and Joseph Yovich, with 61, were the pick of the Northern batsmen.

Central finished the day on 3-0, a lead of 101 with all 10 wickets in hand.

The wickets were shared around Central's bowlers, but Kieran Noema-Barnett was particularly impressive, with 2-20 off 15 overs. Noema-Barnett earlier hit 105 not out in Central's first innings.

An excellent batting performance from Auckland allowed them to declare at 452-7 against Canterbury at Colin Maiden Park in Auckland. Colin de Grandhomme struck 125 off 165 balls, with Anaru Kitchen (76), Colin Munro (75) and Tim McIntosh (54) providing valuable support.

In reply, Canterbury finished the day on 170-2, with Peter Fulton unbeaten on 83.