Air Chathams Wanganui's Ben Smith was able to bat out nearly four hours to save the draw for his Central Districts A team at the conclusion of their three day match with Northern Districts A in Napier this afternoon.
The skipper Smith had been dismissed cheaply for six in the second innings as CD slumped to 153 all out in reply to ND's 333 in the first innings.
Fellow Wanganui allrounder Akash Gill was the only batsman left standing, top scoring with 31 not out off 69 balls as his team was dismissed inside of 50 overs at Nelson Park.
ND then continued their good batting form, making 232-6 declared in the 67th over, with opener Nick Hendrie anchoring the innings on 106 not out, after cruelly being denied a century when he was caught for 98 in the first innings.
CD therefore were left with either a target of 413 to win or batting out the final day, and despite losing partners in the third and 10th overs, Smith carried his bat to an unbeaten 42, seeing off 167 deliveries in 224 minutes.
