Cricket: Beaten Kiwis angry at 'shoulder charge'

MELBOURNE - Debbie Hockley's first century against Australia was overshadowed by a controversial "shoulder charge" incident as New Zealand lost the opening Shell Rosebowl one-day women's cricket international by 13 runs in Melbourne yesterday.

Hockley struck a superb 101, her fourth in internationals, but no one could stay with her long enough in the chase for Australia's 180 as New Zealand were dismissed for 167 in the final over.

However, the New Zealanders were furious over an incident at 84 for three after Hockley and Canterbury's Haidee Tiffen had built a 30-run partnership.

Tiffen took off for a quick single from the non-striker's end and was run out after falling when colliding with Australian pace bowler Charmaine Mason.

The New Zealanders believe Mason deliberately shoulder-charged Tiffen.

"We believe the bowler Mason came off her line and I think a shoulder charge is probably a good description for it because Haidee, who is quite a big girl, toppled over and fell short of her ground," said New Zealand coach Mike Shrimpton.

"Those two were batting well and it broke the momentum, and you have to start again."

Shrimpton decided against taking the incident further.

"We've simply gone to the match manager and expressed our disappointment and that's where it lies and where it's going to be buried."

Shrimpton had further reason to be disappointed after watching his team fail to support Hockley, who was dismissed in the 49th over.

"Debbie's innings was absolutely brilliant and for all the others to put together less than 70 runs is highly disappointing.

"But I'm sure we're underdone. We only had one warm-up game together. Our batting needs to go up a gear or two but that's understandable given how little cricket we've got behind us."

New Zealand can retain the Rosebowl if they win the remaining two matches in Melbourne tomorrow and Wednesday.

Australia won the toss and opted to bat first on an Albert Park pitch offering slightly variable bounce.

In similar circumstances to the New Zealand innings, Australia's star batsman Belinda Clark was the anchor with 69.

Shrimpton was happy with the intensity shown by his players in the field and with containing Australia to a relatively low score.

New Zealand captain Emily Drumm operated her bowlers in short spells, Tiffen returning the best figures of three for 24 off nine overs.

The final unbeaten partnership of 30 between Therese McGregor and Avril Fahey proved crucial for Australia.

- NZPA