Cricket: Youngsters bat Canterbury back into game

NAPIER - Two of the country's most promising cricketers, Jarrod Englefield and Michael Papps, scored half centuries to lead a fightback by Canterbury against Central Districts on day three of their Shell Trophy match.

Englefield, ill for much of the first two days of the game, battled bravely for 65 as Canterbury, following on 208 runs behind, fought to save the game.

Papps top-scored with 76 not out to lead Canterbury to 259 for four at stumps to give his side a realistic chance of forcing a draw.

After a disappointing first innings effort of 150 in reply to Central's 358, Canterbury batsmen showed more resolve yesterday with openers Craig Cumming, with 39, and Brad Doody, 24, and Aaron Redmond, 39 not out, playing valuable roles.

But last season's New Zealand under-19 captain Englefield was the outstanding figure. He battled for three hours in seeing the score from 42 for one through to 156 .

Papps, 20, a national age group representative, carried on the good work with Redmond, another of the stable of young Canterbury stars.

- NZPA