Cricket: Canterbury plunder Northern bowling

Unlike their Northern Districts counterparts, Canterbury batsmen Michael Papps and Peter Fulton cashed in on the Hagley Oval's flat pitch on day two of their match in Christchurch yesterday.

Northern were dismissed for 206 runs, allowing Canterbury to snare first innings points when they reached 311 for three.

Papps and Fulton posted a record second-wicket partnership against Northern, their 190-run stand bettering Graham Dowling and Terry Jarvis' 167 against Northern during the 1970-71 season.

For Papps, 24, another personal milestone awaits. He is unbeaten on 147, just 12 runs shy of bettering his highest first-class score, set against Otago in the 2001-2002 season.

Patience was the key for Papps and Fulton, who reached 83, as they let most deliveries pass outside the off-stump. The diminutive Papps brought his century up in 200 balls after almost five hours at the crease while the tall Fulton scored his 50 from 130.

Fulton was undone when caught behind off the spin of Bruce Martin, adding just one run after tea.

It was a long day in the field for Northern, who rotated seven bowlers.

- NZPA