Cricket: Franklin and Shreck star in rout of Auckland

James Franklin

James Franklin's maiden first-class double-century and a five-wicket bag from English import Charlie Shreck saw Auckland sent packing from Wellington with an innings and 60-run loss in their State Championship match yesterday.

The lanky former Nottinghamshire professional finished the job in the Basin Reserve afternoon sun, taking five for 64 as Auckland were skittled for 252 in their second innings late on the third day.

It was Wellington's third outright victory from five matches this season and extended their two-point lead at the top of the points table, while Auckland remain winless.

New Zealand allrounder Franklin sauntered to the middle yesterday morning unbeaten on his highest first-class score of 173 with his team in charge at 436 for five, a first innings lead of 201.

Just over half an hour later he was raising his bat again for his double-century, off just 239 deliveries.

Former international Tama Canning finally ended Franklin's six-hour epic, caught by Andre Adams for 208 after hitting 27 fours and three sixes.

Wellington's tailenders compounded the misery, adding 111 to their overnight score with No 10 Mark Gillespie whacking 32 not out off 15 balls before Matthew Bell declared at 547 for eight.

Needing 312 just to make Wellington bat again, the top order went missing in action for a second consecutive innings.


ND v Canterbury

Canterbury paceman Brandon Hiini could be forgiven for thinking first-class cricket is a lark.

Hiini, 24, fresh from a five-wicket bag on debut last week, notched his maiden first-class century at Hamilton's Westpac Park as Canterbury took control against Northern Districts.

His 100 not out and test offspinner Paul Wiseman's 130, his second first-class century, led Canterbury to 515 for eight declared, a first innings lead of 246. At stumps Northern were 66 for one in their second innings with opener BJ Watling unbeaten on 38, and a long day of batting ahead today to save the match.


CD v Otago

Former test batsman Mathew Sinclair racked up back-to-back centuries and the 20th of his first-class career as Central Districts set Otago 401 to win in New Plymouth.

Sinclair backed up his first innings 121 with an unbeaten 103 yesterday as he and captain Jamie How plundered an unbroken 242 for the second wicket at Pukekura Park.

How cracked his seventh first-class century, 134 not out, as Central raced to 259 for one declared late on the third day. That set Otago 401 for victory in just over a day, and in seven overs before stumps openers Craig Cumming and Jordan Sheed made it to eight without loss.

Otago resumed yesterday on 191 for five but lost their final five wickets for 73 as the home side claimed a first innings lead of 141. Central's English professional, spinner Min Patel, helped polish off the innings with three for 60 off 25.5 overs while Ewen Thompson also took three wickets.

Otago seamer Warren McSkimming got an early scalp in Central's second innings, with opener Geoff Barnett caught behind for seven.

How pushed a claim for a New Zealand test opening spot against West Indies with a 179-ball knock, including 18 fours and a six.

- NZPA