Cricket: Unbeaten triple century for Fulton

When Canterbury coach Michael Sharpe was bowling in the North Canterbury club competition about five years ago he sighted a promising young batsman called Peter Fulton.

Yesterday at Hagley Oval, Fulton, 24, etched his name in illustrious company when scoring just the sixth triple century by a New Zealander in the game's 139 years for Canterbury against Auckland.

The tall Fulton rewrote the record book with his monumental 301 not out, from 445 balls with a remarkable 45 fours and three sixes - the first triple century scored in New Zealand in 50 years and putting him alongside the likes of Bert Sutcliffe and Roger Blunt.

Fulton started the day at 188 not out, already the highest score for a Canterbury batsman against Auckland, and went on to break further records which included the highest maiden century by a New Zealander, the largest score by a Canterbury batsman, the biggest first-class score on Hagley Oval and the first triple century by a non-Otago player.

The tired but quietly elated Fulton said he just felt it was the right time and place. "It was a good pitch, I made a good start and the boys keep hammering away about when you get in, cash in," he said.

Fulton said it would take some time to come to terms with his mammoth innings, which lasted 9 1/2 hours.

After Fulton hoisted the triple century Canterbury declared at 514 for six. Auckland at stumps were 127 for two in reply.

- NZPA