Cricket: Teen spinner takes Auckland apart

By TERRY MADDAFORD

TAUPO - Bowling with control and guile well beyond his 19 years and in only his third first-class match, Northern Districts left-armer Bruce Martin sent Auckland spinning out of the Shell Trophy lead and bowled himself into cricket's record books.

In an amazing effort at Owen Delany Park, Martin bagged seven for 33 from 18.3 overs as Auckland's second-innings collapse ended at a dismal 149, allowing Northern to win by an innings and 65 runs and regain the competition lead.

Martin's seven second-innings wickets took his match tally to 12, catapulting him into third place on the ND all-time list behind Alex Tait (16) and Richard de Groen (13). Martin's 12 for 55 is ahead of Alan Lissette's 12 for 109 against Otago in the 1959-60 season.

But it will not be quite so easy for Martin next time.

Almost a certainty for the Northern team to play Australia in the four-day game starting in Hamilton on Sunday, the Kerikeri youngster will join Daniel Vettori as part of a twin spin attack of left-armers.

"If the pitch demands two spinners and we consider them the best we have, I would have no problem in playing Bruce and Dan," said ND selection panel convenor Bill Fowler.

"Twelve wickets in a match is a heck of a performance, especially to win a game."

Resuming at 34 for one after following on 214 runs behind, Auckland reached 65 before Llorne Howell was trapped leg before by the everimpressive Daryl Tuffey.

Martin got rid of an unlucky Lou Vincent in the same manner seven runs later.

The slide had begun. Martin took one for nine in his first four-over spell, one for 16 from his next six and one for five from five in his third. That was merely the warm-up for the final, matchwinning, thrust.

In his last 3.3 overs Martin claimed four wickets for three runs - Tama Canning stumped by Robbie Hart, Reece Young caught, Kerry Walmsley bowled and Chris Drum deceived and caught at the wicket by Hart. Young, Walmsley and Drum failed to score.

It was close to the complete performance by the Hart-led ND side.

They batted solidly with their top order the winning difference.

With the ball the home side were superb but Martin ensured the pickings for his mates were lean.

Auckland coach Tony Sail was not happy with the drubbing his team had been handed by a spirited side who dominated almost every session.

"We did not bowl well enough on the first day to give ourselves a chance," said Sail.

"We simply did not fight hard enough. Joey Yovich showed what could be done if you were prepared to work hard. Northern out played us.

"They bowled a tighter line and Bruce Martin did exceptionally well with excellent control of line and length.

"Some of our players focused on external things rather than their own game. They lost confidence in the officials and track. But that is no excuse. Decisions will go against you."

Northern now lead the trophy race by two points from Auckland and Central Districts but have to wait until March 15 before they play their fourth-round game against Otago in Gisborne.