Cricket: Auckland cruise to third league title

By GRAHAM REDDAWAY

Auckland retained the State League for the third successive year with a six-wicket victory over Canterbury at Eden Park yesterday.

But it was a game that never rose to any heights, although it did provide a much-needed workout for six of the Black Ferns and four New Zealand A players who travel to Australia on Wednesday.

Batting was difficult because of the unpredictable bounce of the pitch.

Canterbury struggled to get past the Auckland field and at the end of 50 overs had managed only 127.

It was never going to be enough against the unbeaten Aucklanders, who despite a couple of lazy dismissals cruised in with six wickets and 13.2 overs in hand.

The Black Ferns co-selector and coach, Mike Shrimpton, said he was alarmed by the number of extras bowled in the match, especially by the Canterbury attack who sent down 26 wides in the 36.4 overs they bowled, compared with Auckland who bowled 11 in 50 overs. It was an area of the Black Ferns game he would work on before the first international in a fortnight.

While the wicket was not easy for batting there were problems with the ground fielding and catching on a good outfield and these areas, Shrimpton said, would also come under scrutiny.

Auckland used only five bowlers, whereas Canterbury used eight.The Canterbury skipper, Paula Flannery, had used five by the seventh over after Rebecca Rolls and Megan Lynch made a flying start with 24 runs from 24 balls.

Emily Drumm looked strong but was leg before wicket to Haidee Tiffen for 37. Helen Watson and Ingrid Cronin-Knight brought Auckland home with an unbeaten stand of 39.