Trott stars in Otago's one-run win

Jonathan Trott's superb all-round show guided Otago to a thrilling one-run victory in their State Shield one-day match against Northern Districts at the Westpac Park in Hamilton. Trott scored 114 and ran though the middle-order claiming 4 wickets off his seven overs. Batting first, Otago were three wickets down for 72 runs when Neil Broom joined Trott at the wicket. The two put on a massive partnership of 190 runs, an Otago record for all wickets against all teams, for the fourth wicket until Broom was dismissed for 93 off as many balls. They struck 25 boundaries and two sixes between them. Otago finished with 276 for four off their 50 overs.

In reply, Northern Districts got off to a disastrous start losing their first three wickets for 24 runs. James Marshall, the captain, and Daniel Flynn held the innings together with a partnership of 123 runs when Trott took 4 crucial wickets to set Northern Districts to 230 for eight. Despite some late order resistance, Northern Districts were bowled out for 275 when Graeme Aldridge was run-out off the last ball. James Marshall top-scored for his team with 93. For Otago, Warren Charles McSkimming and James McMillan finished with two wickets each. First-class cricket was suspended at the oval last season after a pitch debacle when New Zealand played a FICA world 11.

Canterbury embarrassed the home team at Eden Park's outer oval, skittling them for 100 after Richard Jones, the Auckland captain, won the toss and elected to bat. Leighton Burtt, the debutant, ripped through the brittle Auckland batting taking 5 for 26 from 7.1 overs. Rob Nicol battled hard for 36 but received no support. In reply Michael Papps (43) and Shannan Stewart (37) put on 83 for the first wicket as Canterbury cruised past the target in 21.4 overs. Craig McMillan was not out 11 at the end.

High-flying Wellington posted an imposing 270 for 7 when they met neighbours Central Districts at the Basin Reserve. Central couldn't match it, falling to 220 all out. Jesse Ryder (61), Michael Parlane (51), his brother Neal (41) and Chris Nevin all contributed as the home team piled up the runs. Chasing, Central were looking good while Mathew Sinclair (64) and Geoff Barnett (57) were at the crease, but once they both fell to Luke Woodcock, Central faltered. From 193 for 3 Central slumped to 209 for 9 and the game was as good as won. Iain O'Brien was the chief destroyer with 5 for 43, while Woodcock took 4 for 36 from his 10 overs.