Bert Vance was something of a utility player - he started his career as a wicketkeeper, turned himself into an opening batsman, and latterly became a well-respected captain. A stalwart of the Wellington side for more than a decade - he made 199 appearances for them, scoring 6440 runs at 34.43 - international recognition came late in his career. He was almost 33 when picked against England in 1987-88, but he scored 43 batting at No.3 in a rain-ruined match. He played twice against Pakistan the following summer, scoring 68 at Auckland, and once more - against Australia - later that summer. He also played eight ODIs, enjoying his best form in the Sharjah Cup in 1987-88 when he scored 186 runs at 46.50 with a best of 96 - and a Man of the Match award - in the semi-final against Sri Lanka. He holds the record for the most runs conceded in a first-class over - 77 against Canterbury in 1990.
Martin Williamson