Cricket: Auckland take honours in rain-affected Trophy draw

Wellington's failure to finish the job of bowling out Auckland on Wednesday cost them dearly yesterday when their Shell Trophy cricket match at the Basin Reserve was interrupted by rain.

Instead of being able to walk away with an outright victory, which was there for the taking on Wednesday, Wellington had to make do with a draw, and the two points they secured from gaining a first innings lead.

Had Wellington won outright they would have given them a commanding eight-point lead in the trophy at the halfway stage going into the break. The matches resume on February 1 after the Shell Cup is completed.

Wellington coach Vaughn Johnson said one of the biggest lessons the side had learned was taking advantage of winning positions.

"When we get a team on the rack we've got to be able to finish them off," Johnson said.

It has been a problem for Wellington for some time, though this time not helped by the friendly nature of the slow Basin pitch.

Wellington had Auckland 109 for eight in their second innings, just 63 runs ahead overall, and then lost the plot. Dion Nash (100) and Kyle Mills (117 not out) made the Wellington bowlers look ordinary in adding 185 for the ninth wicket, and Auckland were able to declare yesterday at 347 for nine.

Andrew Penn was bowling though with one of his feet raw after a chunk of skin had again come adrift. He needed an injection to bowl, and when the effect of it wore off he was in considerable pain each time he bowled. Penn said he would need an injection to play in today's seventh round Shell Cup game against Auckland at the Basin.

After Auckland's declaration, Wellington were left the challenging but realistic target of requiring 302 in a minimum of 93 overs for victory. At lunch progress was good with Wellington 66 for one after 27 overs.

It rained during the lunch break, and though it had little effect play did not resume until 4.20 pm. By then 22 overs had been lost, and the prospects of Wellington being able to snatch victory had dimmed with a further 236 runs needed in 44 overs. Wellington continued to chase but after the loss of Richard Jones, Roger Twose and the promoted Bulfin backed off, the game finished with Wellington 161 for five from 70 overs.

- NZPA