Cricket: Opener Vettori hits 89

A Northern Districts first-wicket record between Daniel Vettori and James Marshall spearheaded the home team to a 43-run win over Wellington in Hamilton last night.

They set up Northern's formidable score of 271 for eight with a partnership of 168. The mark erased the previous record of 119, set by Bryan Young and Michael Parlane against Auckland in the 1996-97 season, and ensured Wellington were always up against it in the day-night match.

Vettori was the star turn as Northern coach Bruce Blair used the left-arm spin bowler - loaned to his association from the national side so he could get some much-needed bowling after hardly being required against India - as an opening batsman.

Against a wayward bowling attack, Vettori relished the opportunity and thumped 11 fours and a six in his 115-ball stay.

Marshall made 60 before being the first dismissed, but Vettori - who raced to 50 off 55 balls in 53 minutes - was aiming for a century after passing his previous best domestic one-day score of 75.

He departed on 89 when Paul Hitchcock reacted well to snare a catch off Mark Gillespie's bowling.

Northern's momentum slowed after the first wicket fell, but 55 extras, including a staggering 31 wides, helped them reach their best tally in five games of the State Shield season.

Joseph Yovich then removed Chris Nevin and Wellington skipper Matthew Bell early before Richard Jones scored 26 and Neal Parlane 41 to add 70 for the third wicket in reasonable time.

Hitchock swung lustily for 34, while allrounder Matthew Walker also tried his best to pull off an unlikely win and was ninth man out following a fine 58. Vettori took two for 29 from his 10 overs and was set to catch an early flight today to Wellington to play India.

- NZPA