Cricket: Spearman nearly sets up a shock

A century of sublime quality from Craig Spearman failed to propel Central Districts to an unlikely Shell Trophy cricket victory over Wellington at McLean Park in Napier yesterday.

But his magnificent 130 from 123 balls did help his side to an honourable draw after being on the back foot from the opening day.

With the former New Zealand opener in full flight during the middle session of the final day, Central harboured a faint hope of reaching their unlikely target of 378 from a minimum of 79 overs.

But Spearman's demise just before tea effectively spelt the end of the chase.

Central closed up shop for the final session and were 295 for five at stumps.

Spearman's innings was of the highest quality as he treated Wellington spinners Mark Jefferson and Jeetan Patel with disdain, displaying a full range of shots and hitting 13 fours and five sixes.

He moved from 84 to 94 off successive deliveries from Patel, pulling him for four to the mid-wicket boundary and repeating the shot with ease for a huge six.

Spearman reached his century in the next over from Jefferson, cutting him for four with superb timing.

But he was out soon after - casually chipping a Jefferson delivery to Grant Donaldson at mid-off.

Spearman's dismissal ended a 131-run third-wicket partnership with Glen Sulzberger, leaving Mark Douglas to step into the fray for the final session.

When Sulzberger was dismissed after reaching a solid half century, it was left to Douglas to see out the remaining 26 overs with the help of the lower order.

Douglas curbed his natural aggression to end the day on 30 not out after being at the crease for 140 minutes.

He found an able partner in wicketkeeper Martyn Sigley, who batted 70 minutes for 34 not out and shared an unbroken 47-run stand for the sixth-wicket.

Wellington began the final day at 85 for two in their second innings and overnight batsman Selwyn Blackmore added 53 runs to finish 86 not out, while his colleagues scored at a fast clip to take the visitors to 228 for four declared.

- NZPA