Cricket: Newcomer saves the day for Central Districts

Central Districts needed a major batting recovery and some lively pace bowling to beat Canterbury by 19 runs in Nelson.

Central were in serious trouble at 85 for five when Bevan Griggs joined Ian Sandbrook. They resurrected the innings, scoring 103 runs off 173 balls to help the home team post a competitive 208.

Sandbrook, 19, was particularly impressive, showing patience plus aggression, in his first-class debut.

The former New Zealand under-19 player hit five fours and one towering straight drive for six on his way to 57 from 104 balls.

Stephen Cunis was the best of the Canterbury bowlers, taking three for 32 off his 10 overs.

However, the Canterbury fielders were not always up to the mark, conceding six overthrows in an untidy display. Canterbury's batting also floundered until Peter Fulton, Carl Anderson and then Cunis started going on to the offensive.

Fulton and Cunis gave Canterbury a glimmer of hope, scoring 56 from 50 balls before Andrew Schwass made the breakthrough, dismissing Fulton for 64 in the 46th over.

Schwass had Cunis caught for 33 in his next over, effectively ending any chance of a Canterbury victory.

The southerners were 189 for nine at the completion of their 50 overs.

Schwass, with three for 31, and Michael Mason, who took two for 14, were the game's outstanding bowlers. Mason troubled all the batsmen with his lively pace and Schwass maintained a perfect line and length.


- NZPA