Cricket: Horne stakes claim for return to tests

By TERRY MADDAFORD and NZPA

Matt Horne did his international recall hopes no harm in steering Auckland within sight of victory over Central Districts on Eden Park's outer oval yesterday.

When stumps were pulled early because of bad light, Horne was unbeaten on 50 - his 22nd half-century - and Auckland were 109 for two, just 101 shy of their target for maximum State Championship points.

Horne, who rode his luck a couple of times in the face of accurate Central bowling, must have impressed New Zealand selector Ross Dykes, who apparently had Horne and Brooke Walker in his early-season sights.

Openers Horne and Tim McIntosh worked their way to 34 in 42 minutes as the home side set out after the 210-run target after a stubborn Central second innings had accumulated 267 from 131 overs.

Nick Horsley also stuck about for some time before being trapped leg-before - the 12th such decision of the match.

By the close, Horne and Aaron Barnes, who chipped in with 20, had added 49 in an unbeaten third-wicket partnership.

Earlier, David Kelly quickly picked up the one run he needed for his third first-class century.

By the time he was removed by Andre Adams, Kelly had frustrated the Auckland bowlers for 269 deliveries and 326 minutes. His 114 included 19 boundaries.

Kelly's departure exposed the middle order which was quickly ripped apart by Adams, who finished with five for 44, to go with his three for 36 in the first innings.

* Canterbury allrounder Aaron Redmond scored his maiden first-class century and shared a record partnership with Chris Harris against Wellington in Rangiora.

Redmond, 22, contributed 101 of a sixth-wicket stand of 209 with Harris, who was unbeaten on 117 when Canterbury declared at 293 for six in their second innings.

That left Wellington needing 410 for victory. They will resume today at 71 for one in their second innings.

The son of New Zealand test centurymaker Rodney Redmond, Aaron had until yesterday enjoyed only moderate success in his brief representative career since moving from Western Australia.

Harris, who scored 70 in the first innings, has now accumulated 3286 runs for Canterbury at a splendid average of 63.19.