Cricket: A labour of love for Martin

Bruce Martin is back and doing what he loves best, bowling left-arm spin and helping his Northern Districts team-mates in their chase for the summer double.

The State Shield winners headed into their championship clash with Canterbury at Gisborne's Harry Barker Reserve yesterday with high hopes after their one-day triumph.

Some of that enthusiasm was dampened when they lost the toss and watched Canterbury build steadily towards 100.

Then Te Ahu Davis, held out until second change, struck. In having Tim Papps caught at the wicket for 33, he broke the productive partnership between Papps and older brother Michael which threatened to build to embarrassing proportions.

Davis completed the job after lunch by bowling the other half of the family alliance, although Michael Papps scored an innings-high 74 and looked every bit an international.

Then Martin wasted no time.

He bemused and befuddled Tim McIntosh, eventually having him caught for one after 26 minutes.

Martin continued to dominate - eventually ending the day with three for 33 from 23 overs.

The Canterbury middle order offered little apart from Andrew Ellis, who looked more than useful in reaching 68 not out before the umpires ended play an hour early because of fading light.

At the close Canterbury had reached 265 for eight.

Davis, who bowled his first five overs for 15 runs, was a little looser later but still picked up three well-deserved wickets with good pace.

* The bat dominated the ball on the first day of the match at Napier's McLean Park with Wellington going from 79 for one at lunch to end the day on 321 for three.

After losing Luke Woodcock early, Wellington captain Matthew Bell and Michael Parlane added 215 in 248 minutes for the second wicket.

The former Northern Districts players made merry, with Parlane quickly overhauling Bell and going on to score a belligerent 132 in an innings which included 16 fours and three sixes.

The more circumspect Bell batted throughout for 114 as the Central bowlers toiled for little reward.