Cricket: How just short of third century

Central Districts' Jamie How headed home for a nervous night's sleep after leaving the Harry Barker Reserve in Gisborne yesterday three runs short of his third first-class century.

When bad light finally brought a premature end to a rain-interrupted day, How was 97 not out as Central Districts fought to make Northern Districts bat again on the third day of their State Championship match.

How gave Central a slim chance of saving the match with a cultured knock to help his side to 210 for three at stumps, in reply to Northern's first innings of 445 for nine declared.

Central made 191 in their first innings.

How was ably supported by Craig Spearman and Jesse Ryder, who each reached the 40s.

Ryder wandered down the wicket to the part-time off-spin of Nick Horsley on 49 and was stumped, while Spearman skied a catch to Scott Styris from spinner Bruce Martin on 45.

The dismissal was vintage Spearman.

After looking in total command he repeatedly tried to hit Martin over long-on and, having survived a dropped chance at mid-on and several near misses, decided to try his luck one more time.

But the day belonged to How, who, having survived a torrid opening spell from Ian Butler, blossomed as the day wore on.

Earlier, Butler and Graeme Aldridge both posted their highest first-class scores when Northern resumed at 416 for eight.

Butler finished on 51 not out, with the declaration coming after Aldridge nicked out to Brent Hefford on 49, having put on 99 for the ninth wicket.

With the wicket still playing slowly and truly, Northern will hope to make big inroads into the Central batting order when the second new ball is due in eight overs.

- NZPA