Cricket: Otago make most of gap in rain

Only 42 overs were possible yesterday but it was enough for Otago to take control by the midway stage of their Plunket Shield cricket match against Auckland in Dunedin.

The loss of three wickets for five runs late on a wet second day left Auckland on the ropes at University Oval as they stuttered to 28 for three in response to the hosts' 387.

A fiery opening spell from Neil Wagner and James McMillan continued their sharp form as Jeet Raval, Richard Jones and nightwatchman Lance Shaw all departed in the final four overs of the day. Test opener Tim McIntosh was unbeaten on 16.

Steady rain meant play didn't begin until 3.30pm, when Otago resumed at 274 for five. Sam Wells took his score of 56 to 86 before he fell short of a second first-class century, caught behind off paceman Michael Bates.

Anthony Bullick struck 42 in the other notable contribution while five Auckland bowlers finished with two wickets apiece. Colin de Grandhomme registered the best figures of two for 34.

On Thursday Otago captain Craig Cumming registered his 15th century for the province.

* Canterbury's final aspirations were dented in New Plymouth as Central Districts comfortably secured first innings points before enforcing the follow-on.

Central thoroughly dominated the second day at Pukekura Park and the visitors' chase for 414 folded well short on 223.

At the close Canterbury still faced a 165-run shortfall at 26 for one after Michael Papps was trapped leg before wicket by first innings destroyer Ewen Thompson for a golden duck. Rob Nicol (1) and Peter Fulton (19) are responsible for continuing the recovery mission today.

Crucially for the home side Brendon Diamanti extended his overnight 47 to within six runs of his third first class century. Diamanti, who racked up 10 boundaries and a trio of sixes during his 204-ball stay, was well supported by Doug Bracewell (27) before Seth Rance slammed a demoralising 50 from just 39 deliveries.

Canterbury's quest for first innings points never gained any traction as only three batsmen passed 30 - Papps opened with 44 and Johan Myburgh contributed 47 and fellow South African Kruger van Wyk produced a brisk 57.

Thompson claimed five for 68 from 21 overs of accurate pace while Adam Milne marked his surprise call up after Michael Mason was promoted to the New Zealand one-day squad for an injured Jacob Oram yesterday by snaring four for 52.

* Northern Districts' batsman Kane Williamson produced another reminder of his undoubted talent against Wellington at the Basin Reserve, scoring a career-best 170 pivotal in solidifying the Plunket Shield leaders dominance.

The 19-year-old's third first class century enabled Northern to bank first innings points and pull well clear of Wellington's 193.

The visitors were eventually dismissed for 400 in the middle session, by stumps on day two Wellington had almost halved their 207-run first innings deficit.

- NZPA