Cricket: Powerful innings takes pressure off Canterbury

Peter Fulton responded to the pressure on Canterbury's beleaguered top order, powering to an unbeaten 188 against Auckland at Hagley Oval, Christchurch yesterday.

Fulton, 24, was aware entering the innings that his place was under pressure.

But he played easily the largest and longest innings of his fledgling 11-match first-class career against the State Championship leaders and steered Canterbury to 319 for four at stumps. He was just 12 runs shy of joining a select club of six players who have scored double centuries for the province after a previous best of 84.

"There has been pressure on the top order who have not been performing and you feel it. I was also aware that I hadn't yet made a 100 and it can become psychological after a while," Fulton said.

"I really wanted to go on and get a big one. I'm a bit tired now but generally I felt good."

Fulton had a flat patch just after tea when giving a low chance to Craig Pryor at gully off Aaron Barnes when on 146. His innings was characterised by some elegant stroke-play.

By stumps Fulton's innings included 27 fours and three sixes from 302 balls.

He arrived at the crease with Canterbury in trouble at six for two having been sent in.

Fulton shared three productive partnerships.

The first was worth 112 for the third wicket with Robbie Frew; then 120 for the fourth wicket with rookie Neil Broom and after that an unbroken 71 with Gareth Hopkins.

Broom was batting well, his 41 from 74 balls, before he launched an ambitious shot on the last ball before tea against leg spinner Brooke Walker and was caught.

- NZPA