Cricket: Young side battling valiantly

CHRISTCHURCH - Canterbury's baby red and blacks received a reminder of what first-class cricket is about in their opening Shell Trophy match against Otago yesterday.

The team, who have an average age of 22, have conceded the advantage to Otago after two days of the match at QEII Park's Village Green.

Missing their six Black Caps, Canterbury is fighting to remain in the contest with two days to play. Replying to Otago's solid 349, Canterbury were 203 for six at stumps.

Much of Canterbury's plight was due to some superb swing bowling from Otago left-armer Shayne O'Connor.

But there were some encouraging performances by the novices, none more so than Michael Papps who teamed with fellow 20-year-old Aaron Redmond to add 97 for the fifth wicket.

On Saturday Canterbury had been consigned to the field after losing the toss but again showed some promise with two good sessions out of three.

They reduced Otago to 131 for four on an excellent batting strip before Stephen Mather and Chris Gaffaney paired to produce 130 for the fifth wicket.

Canterbury climbed back with the second new ball to break the stand and Otago slipped from 261 for four to 297 for eight.

But O'Connor and Mather added a frustrating 50 runs for the ninth wicket. That left Canterbury needing 350 for first-innings points. - NZPA