Cricket: Hopkins defies Northern

A century by Auckland wicketkeeper Gareth Hopkins has helped set up a thrilling finish against Northern Districts in a State Championship four-day cricket match going into the final day at Whangarei today.

At stumps on the third day, Northern were 113 for three in their second innings, needing a further 155 runs for a win, with seven wickets in hand.

Hamish Marshall, on 43, will resume proceedings for Northern Districts with Bradley Scott, yet to score, at the other end.

Auckland were dismissed for 259 in their second innings yesterday for an overall lead of 268 after resuming on their overnight score of 27-2.

With a steady procession of batsmen back to the pavilion, including Scott Styris for two, Steven Croft for nought and Colin de Grandhomme for six, Auckland were in danger at 134 for eight until Hopkins found a willing ally in Daryl Tuffey.

The pair put on 106 runs for the ninth wicket, with the seam bowler stubbornly making an invaluable 53 that included five boundaries and a six. It was Tuffey's fourth half-century in 74 first-class appearances.

Hopkins, after letting Tuffey dictate the pace of their partnership, upped his rate and brought up his century off the 147th ball he faced. He hit nine fours along the way.

He was dismissed when he mistimed his shot off Graham Aldridge to give the bowler a return catch.

Trent Boult was the pick of the Northern bowlers, capturing four wickets for 78, with Aldridge and Te Ahu Davis snapping up two each.

The Marshall brothers, Hamish and James, shared a partnership of 73.

In Wellington, the hosts were left with an uphill task to eke out a win over Otago. When persistent rain forced play to be abandoned just after lunch yesterday, Wellington were 74 for two, needing a further 248 runs on the final day today for victory.

- NZPA