Stead delighted the losing sequence has ended

Victory for Gary Stead's Canterbury team against Otago at the Village Green in round two of the State Championship brought to an end a remarkable run for the side.

It was their first win in 18 first-class games dating back to February 1999, when Craig Cumming, now with Otago, led Canterbury to a 302-run win over Northern Districts at WestpacTrust Park.

Stead had his second triumph as a captain in his 26th game in charge of a Canterbury first-class team. He couldn't remember the other win. "I'm sure I have. I would have been sacked by now if I hadn't," he joked.

For the record, it was in 1995/96, also against Otago at Lancaster Park (now Jade Stadium). That day Stead's team, which he was leading for a fourth time after three straight losses, was victorious by a five-wicket margin.

Fittingly at the Village Green this week Stead's 35 not out saw Canterbury home to a four-wicket triumph at 131/6 after the extra half-hour had been claimed on day three. It was Canterbury's first win on their new ground at the eighth attempt.

Stead told CricInfo, "I'm over the moon with it really. I thought throughout the three days we dominated things."

"Day one maybe not as much as we would have liked after bowling Otago out for 214, but Michael Papps' innings set up the game for us and set up a hundred run lead which was going to be crucial on a wearing wicket."

The 29-year old former Black Cap said, "It was getting low and I think Craig Pryor, David Sewell, Kerry Walmsley bowled into the wicket well, there was a little bit of inconsistent bounce at times and I suppose a little bit of nerves came into it from our guys. We haven't been in this position for a while."

Showing visible signs of relief, he said, "Just to get that one under the belt I'm sure will be good for the future as well, just having that winning feeling. There's a good feeling in our team and we're playing some good cricket."

"There's a really good feeling in our team at the moment," Stead commented on Canterbury's resurgence in 2001/02.

"I think the management last year had a slightly different style. Maybe (coach) Mike Sharpe and (manager) Grant McWhirter's enthusiasm has added a little bit to the team. But the guys really want to do it for each other out there as well," he said.

"The effort that we put in with our pre-season training, our work in the nets, and our work before and after each game as well has been quite a thrill," Stead concluded.

Canterbury's next game is on Monday at Gisborne against Northern Districts where Stephen Cunis is likely to replace Ryan Burson, who will be at a family wedding in Japan. Robbie Frew, who made 165 in a second team trial at the weekend may come in for Brad Doody at opener.