Cricket: Young opener in runs

A century from Auckland opener James Bullick was the highlight of the national under-17 cricket tournament in Napier yesterday.

Bullick scored 162 from 252 balls to guide the tournament leaders into a strong position at 279 for five against Central Districts at stumps on the first day of the third round of two-day games.

Unlucky to fall just three runs short of a century against Canterbury last Thursday, Bullick hit 17 fours and a six in his innings.

He shared partnerships of 88 for the third wicket with captain Kieran McMillan, who made 35, and 74 for the fourth with Rajiv Sharma, who took 198 minutes and 134 balls to accumulate his 23 not out.

The other two games were at a more advanced stage, with Wellington and Canterbury in solid positions.

Wellington, with opener Blake Horsley batting determinedly for 70 from 230 deliveries, scored 192 and had Otago 20 for two at stumps.

Canterbury skipper Jeremy Kench top-scored with 74 and enjoyed good support from his vice-captain Peter Borren, who made 68 runs, in a healthy first innings score of 300.

Northern Districts were struggling at 65 for five at stumps.

- NZPA