Cricket: Central Districts holding the aces

Central Districts go into the final day of their match against Northern Districts in Napier today with a spring in their step, thanks to Lance Hamilton.

The left-arm seamer snared two of three early wickets to fall in Northern Districts' second innings yesterday as they set about an improbable chase of 400 for victory.

Hamilton had figures of two for 22 as Northern Districts staggered to stumps at 58 for three and a considerable distance away from saving the four-day fixture, let alone winning it.

He dismissed Llorne Howell leg-before for one, then dismissed Mark Orchard (4) when he edged a delivery to wicketkeeper Bevan Griggs.

Ewen Thompson chipped in with the wicket of Northern Districts captain James Marshall for 28 as Central Districts looked to finish off a game they have dominated from the first morning.

Central Districts, who made 479 in their first innings after centuries to Jamie How and Mathew Sinclair, quickly wrapped up Northern Districts' first innings for 273 yesterday after the visitors had resumed on 254 for eight.

Central Districts under-achieved in making just 193 in their second innings, but their position of dominance was not threatened.

The Northern Districts bowlers, especially international Daryl Tuffey, proved a handful as only How and Jarrod Englefield made an impression.

Coming off three successive centuries, How threatened to extend his stunning sequence before departing for 72.

Englefield made 52.

Tuffey bowled Sinclair with the first ball of the innings on his way to collecting four for 38 off 20.5 overs in another encouraging sign he is reaching full fitness after an injury-enforced layoff.

How showed Tuffey respect, but unleashed a wide range of shots to dent fast bowler Ian Butler's confidence before losing his wicket to Orchard when trying to force a ball to mid-on.

Graeme Aldridge was also to the fore for Northern Districts, taking three for 22 off 12 overs.

Young wicketkeeper BJ Watling had a superb day with the gloves, taking five catches.

Central won their opening match, beating Otago by seven wickets.

 

- NZPA