Cricket: Richardson makes his mark for New Zealand A

LONDON - Lefthander Mark Richardson ground his way to a career best 212 not out as New Zealand A piled up 491 for five before declaring against Sussex in their four-day tour match at Hove yesterday.

The Kiwis eventually called a halt 12 minutes after tea, and Sussex openers Richard Montgomerie and Toby Peirce had to battle hard to survive 29 testing overs in taking their side to 51 without loss at stumps.

Opener Richardson, resuming yesterday morning on 110 with his team 238 for two, hit 22 boundaries in his marathon 11 hours at the crease.

The 29-year-old, who played for Brighton and Hove in the Sussex league for two seasons, in 1992 and 1995, displayed great concentration, and gave only one chance, when on 158.

He edged left-arm spinner Umer Rashid to recalled wicketkeeper Shaun Humphries, who dropped the chance.

Richardson shared a fifth-wicket stand of 178 with Aaron Redmond, who scored a rapid 92, as the tourists amassed the biggest total made at Hove so far this season.

Redmond was close to a deserved century when he fell to acting captain Jason Lewry shortly before tea.

Left-arm swing bowler Lewry forced Redmond to chop the ball on as he played down the wrong line, after having cracked 10 fours and a six from 151 balls.

Coach David Trist described the stand as the perfect example of a partnership working well.

"While Mark was all composure and waiting for the bowlers, Aaron took the attack to them and totally dominated.

"He was desperately unlucky to be out for 92 as a century would have been fair reward for a great innings."

New Zealand A grassed several early chances. Montgomerie was put down at slip off Lance Hamilton before wicketkeeper Martyn Croy failed to take a sharp chance as Peirce edged a lightning delivery from Martin, then Montgomerie, on 25, enjoyed another slice of luck when dropped at silly point off legspinner Brooke Walker.

- NZPA