Cricket: Pedestrian Auckland scores 218 for six off 100 overs

Competition leaders Auckland's contest with Otago was evenly balanced after the opening day at Queenstown yesterday.

Sent in to bat under cloudless skies by Otago captain Craig Cumming in the State Championship match, Auckland batted though 100 overs to be 218 for six after a pedestrian display on a pitch and slick outfield favouring the batsmen.

Openers Mark Richardson and Tim McIntosh put on 74 in the morning session before the impressive Kerry Walmsley captured the first of his three wickets by bowling Richardson 16 minutes after the resumption. Richardson had scored a patient 41 in 156 minutes.

McIntosh, also bowled by Walmsley, for 44, joined Richardson back in the shade with the total at 99.

Former international Matthew Horne looked Auckland's most accomplished batsman, but at the other end, Barry Nielsen fell to a catch behind off Warren McSkimming and the Otago medium pacer should have had Tama Canning next ball, but McGlashan spilled the chance.

Canning also had a life on 12 when Shayne O'Connor, looking directly into the sun, dropped a catch at midoff, and he and Horne took their side through to 168 for three at tea.

After the break, Horne's innings ended on 74, including 10 boundaries from 140 minutes at the crease, when he fell to the McSkimming-McGlashan combination.

Aaron Barnes came and went quickly and Canning was then dismissed 24 after facing 115 balls.

Craig Pryor and captain Brooke Walker, both unbeaten on six, survived until stumps.

Walmsley battled the 27C temperatures without flinching to finish with three for 48 and although O'Connor was on the spot throughout his 26 overs, Canning's wicket was his sole reward.

McSkimming also was lively and accurate in claiming two for 43.

Auckland were without the services of top order batsman Rob Nichol due to illness.

Allrounder Jeff Wilson's calf muscle injury again assigned him to 12th man duties for Otago.

"I'm getting quite a dab hand with the drinks now, but would much prefer to be out there playing," Wilson said.

"I sent down a few balls this morning and felt all right, but the muscle is still tight."

- NZPA