Cricket: Yovich loss has game in balance

The dismissal of Northern Districts all-rounder Joseph Yovich just before stumps on day three yesterday left their match against Central Districts in Napier in the balance.

Yovich looked to be guiding Northern to their target of 205 with his team's first half-century of the State Championship fifth-round match.

But his demise for 53 signalled an end to the day's play and left Northern 162 for six - still needing another 43 to win a game in which the batsmen have found scoring difficult throughout.

Yovich, who hit six boundaries in his 101-ball, 106-minute innings, dominated a 60-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Mark Orchard to rescue Northern from trouble at 102 for five.

Orchard batted for nearly three hours and faced 118 deliveries for his 22 not out and his partnership with skipper Robbie Hart this morning will be crucial.

Earlier in the day, Northern pace spearhead Ian Butler finished with a five-wicket bag (and eight for the match) as Central, 132 for six overnight, were dismissed for 159.

The Central innings was anchored by Glen Sulzberger, who scored 69 not out from 180 balls in 250 minutes.

- NZPA