KEY POINTS:
A fine 63 by wicketkeeper Chris Nevin ensured Wellington of a competitive total on the first day of their State Championship four-day cricket match against Canterbury at the Basin Reserve yesterday.
At stumps, Canterbury were a shaky 58/3 chasing Wellington's first innings 254.
Nevin, who scored his 23rd first class half century, came in when Wellington were reeling at 180/6 after winning the toss and opting to bat.
After Dewayne Bowden fell for five runs with the score at 189, Nevin and Mark Houghton steadied the ship with a partnership of 56 before the wicketkeeper fell leg before wicket to Brendon Hiini, who was the chief destroyer of Wellington's innings with a haul of five wickets for an economical 30 runs from 15.3 overs.
Nevin played a breezy run-a-ball innings that contained 10 boundaries and lasted 95 minutes.
Canterbury were quickly in trouble with opener Shanan Stewart sent back by Charlie Shreck, caught by Neil Parlane, after scoring just two with the score on four. Next to go was international Peter Fulton who had his middle and leg stump uprooted by Daniel Bowden on 22 and one run later, nightwatchman Lonsdale was bowled by Elliot for a duck.
At stumps Michael Papps was on 22 and Johann Myburgh yet to score.
- NZPA
