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SC: Auck v ND (17-20 March)

Saturday, March 22 2003

The final round clash between Northern Districts and Auckland saw ND winning the battle, but Auckland winning the war as Northern pipped out Auckland by 16 runs. Auckland however, has managed to successfully defend the State Championship title after lone challengers Wellington lost to Otago this week.

Northern Districts batted first, but the top of the batting line-up struggled to get much of a start. It was only when Orchard (30) and Robinson (125*) displayed patience did the innings succumb to a competitive total of 298 all out. Canning was the main destroyer of the ND innings, taking 4/96.

Auckland's reply to the total started with a bang, with a 104 run partnership between the openers Richardson (39) and McIntosh (146*). The middle order failed to provide much resistance, with Butler and Yovich taking 3 wickets each. The Aucklanders finally declared at 294/7.

The main substance in Northern Districts second innings was a marvellous 201* from Matt Hart. Hart's innings was the only double century in the whole tournament this season - a great, but unusual feat. Marshall also made a contribution of 57 to a healthy total to which ND felt happy to declare - 352/9.

Auckland's second innings, like the first, started with a run fest. The opening partnership between Richardson (113) and McIntosh (64) was a 118 run stand. The middle order managed to fire the second time round, with Nicol making 56 and Canning 42. The bottom order however, struggled in what was a thrilling end to the match, with Butler (3/66) bowling Davis to win the match for ND by a tight 16 runs.


SCORECARD:-

Northern Districts: (1st Innings)
298 (GG Robinson 125*, TK Canning 4/96)

Auckland: (1st Innings)
294/7 dec (TG McIntosh 146*, MH Richardson 39, JF Yovich 3/69, IG Butler 3/87)

Northern Districts: (2nd Innings)
352/9 dec (MN Hart 201*, HH Marshall 57, CR Pryor 5/59)

Auckland: (2nd Innings; target: 357 runs to win)
340 (MH Richardson 113, TG McIntosh 64, IG Butler 3/66)

Result: Northern Districts win by 16 runs.
Points: Northern Districts 6, Auckland 0.


Posted by Tom