Cricket: Leaders to clash in Taupo

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Northern and Central Districts will square off in an early-season top-of-the-table Shell Trophy cricket clash in Taupo this week.

A two-wicket win over Auckland in Hamilton on Saturday allowed Northern, defending the title they won so convincingly last season, to join Central, winners over Otago with a day to spare, on six points.

The co-leaders are four clear of Wellington, who took first-innings points from Canterbury in a rain-ruined match at the Basin Reserve.

While Northern held the upper hand for much of the match, Auckland threatened to break that stranglehold at times.

But, as so often happens in cricket at this level, one dropped catch dealt the Auckland hopes a body blow.

Resuming at 91 for three and chasing 173, former internationals Mark Bailey (43) and Grant Bradburn (3) were confronted with some hostile Auckland bowling.

After Bradburn had added just one run to his overnight score, Chris Drum found the edge of his bat and the ball flew to Richard King at second slip for what should have been a regulation catch.

But Bradburn happily watched the ball spill, then helped himself to another 16 runs as he and Bailey put on 43 in an invaluable fourth-wicket partnership.

"That dropped catch was crucial," Auckland coach Tony Sail said. "If we had got Bradburn at that stage we would have opened up one end and been able to have a real go at them."

Sail could, however, take some heart from his team's efforts.

What should have been a comfortable Northern victory achieved in the first session of the fourth day's play, became a sometimes tense battle, with Drum, in particular, Andre Adams, Tama Canning and Mark Haslam bowling with purpose.

Northern gave Auckland hope by losing three wickets, Joseph Yovich (12), Bailey (76) and debutant Brett Hood (0), for just five runs either side of lunch, and then Simon Doull five runs later. But Bruce Martin and captain Robbie Hart steadied the ship and steered them home.

Northern have retained the same 12 players for the game against Central at Owen Delany Park on Wednesday. Auckland will today name their team for the clash with Canterbury in Christchurch.