Cricket: Lower order put ND in control

WELLINGTON - A record ninth-wicket stand of 188 between Neal Parlane and Daryl Tuffey has put Northern Districts on course to beat Wellington in their Shell Trophy cricket match at the Basin Reserve.

Northern were staggering at 167 for six in their first innings, but their lower-order batsmen saw them through to a stunning 436, a lead of 151 on Wellington's first innings of 285.

Parlane, aged 21, scored 147 in 174 minutes after coming in lower than usual at No 8 after being struck a painful blow on the shoulder while fielding. His previous highest score was 60. He hit 18 fours and two sixes.

The strapping Tuffey, regarded as one of the most promising fast-medium bowlers in the country, showed at No 10 how effective he can be as a batsman as he also achieved his highest first-class score of 89 not out.

Northern's recovery spoiled the party for Wellington middle-order batsman Tim Boyer, whose maiden first-class century on Saturday had looked like putting his team into a commanding position.

But instead of ramming home the advantage Wellington allowed the Northern batsmen to steal it.

Batting a second time Wellington are 75 for four, still 76 in arrears. Their main task today will be to try and bat out the day. On a reasonably placid pitch, that is possible, but it will require a lot more steel than Wellington have exhibited lately.

Boyer and captain Chris Nevin were not out, and it will need a century from someone today if Wellington are to avoid outright defeat.

- NZPA