Cricket: ND blasts before the downpour

By TERRY MADDAFORD and NZPA

Rains reminiscent of the downpour that flooded Eden Park during the infamous waterlogged rugby test between the All Blacks and Scotland a quarter of a century ago washed out what was shaping as an intriguing Shell Cup cricket match between Auckland and Northern Districts yesterday.

Sent in after Auckland captain Blair Pocock won the toss - and after a 75-minute delay following morning rain - the new-look Northern opening partnership of Michael Parlane and Daniel Vettori flayed a disappointing Auckland attack.

In reaching 82 without loss from only nine and a half overs, Northern, who, given the choice, would also have sent the opposition in, had already built a solid foundation.

Richard Morgan, who shared the new ball with Chris Drum, did his best to stem the charge when he opened with a maiden. Two overs later, after Vettori had smashed 19 from the over, his spell ended.

Vettori, who many expected would play the support role for Parlane, posted his 50 in just 23 minutes from 27 deliveries (including 11 boundaries) and not too far away from the 22-ball record set two seasons ago by Matthew Maynard.

The bowlers took a hammering. From his one and a half overs, Kyle Mills has already conceded 16 runs while Andre Adams, who has rescued the Shell Cup leaders with some tight bowling this season, went for a dozen in his only over.

While there was no option but to call the game off the ground staff were back at work in the hope the weather will improve sufficiently to allow play to restart this morning at 11am.

Meanwhile, Nathan Astle continued his international one-day form as he helped Canterbury win their Shell Cup cricket match against Wellington at Jade Stadium last night.

At their fifth attempt this season, Canterbury finally overcame the Firebirds. Wellington fell 31 runs short after making a flying start.

Canterbury compiled 270, a useful score on the dying pitch, and even in losing Wellington achieved their highest total of the cup competition.

Astle produced his fourth limited-overs century for Canterbury, hitting 122 in a 54-ball innings which included 11 fours and two huge sixes over long-on.

He and Stephen Fleming (60) put on 153 for the second wicket at a good clip - 115 minutes and 173 balls - before the New Zealand captain was caught behind in the 38th over at 194.

Wellington openers Grant Donaldson (71) and the returning Chris Nevin (49) put on a century stand with 14 boundaries between them, smashing 60 in the first eight overs.

After being well ahead of the run-rate, Wellington gradually got behind and after being 152 for three, lost four wickets for 21.

Down south, Mathew Sinclair's broad bat and yet another failure from the Otago lower-order gave Central Districts a 15-run win in Oamaru.

Sinclair anchored the impressive Central Districts innings of 305 for six wickets with an almost flawless 110 from 124 balls.

Otago made their best start of the season through Andrew Hore and Chris Gaffaney and, for a long time, they were on course to achieve what would have been an improbable victory.

But yet again, the Otago bottom order failed to complete a run-chase which should have been within their capabilities.