Astle century spearheads Canterbury semi-final bid

Nathan Astle, with a fine 121, saw Canterbury through a potentially tricky South Island derby at Jade Stadium today.

Two run-outs in three balls strangled a promising Otago total as they lost this important ninth round Shell Cup match at Christchurch's Jade Stadium.

The all-round fielding and bowling performance was the key for a rejuvenated Canterbury side who are now set for the semi-finals at least.

But it was Astle who starred with the bat, scoring his sixth Shell Cup century to bring the red and blacks home for their third succesive Cup triumph. He was dropped behind the stumps by a diving Martyn Croy when on 93, but otherwise his innings was chanceless. The experienced right hander also bowled 10 overs for just 29, helping to kill off an Otago team that always looked stronger as one-day batsmen than bowlers in theory.

Astle hit his 121 off 133 balls in 164 minutes, with 12 fours and three sixes.

Chris Martin, team spokesman for the day said, "I think all the results so far have helped us and I think we're playing well enough to deserve to be there in the semis."

He continued, "I think Canterbury have a pretty strong tradition and have excelled in the finals." Although not having a preference who he would like to meet in the final stages, Martin would obviously prefer the match to be on a home track. "I was quite surprised by the portable wicket today. It had quite a good carry and bounce and I think 230 or 240 might have been quite competitive, but we fielded well today to leave a good target in the end."

Otago, who last won the title in 1987/88, will have to wait yet another year for another chance of triumph. They are now bottom of the table on seven points, behind Auckland and Wellington (eight), Central Districts and Canterbury (10) and Northern Districts (11), with just one round to come.

CD have had four games rained off, which puts them at a disadvantage if they finish level for the second semi-final spot, despite their run-rate going from worst to best today. The games won comes first, with run-rate second, if points after the next (and final) round are equal.

Only ND are certainties to go further as there are no three teams able to match their 11 points. If a disaster happens for Canterbury on Thursday they could yet miss out altogether, but with "the guys starting to get a bit of confidence," as Martin understatingly puts it, this seems unlikely.

Canterbury play Wellington in round ten on Thursday. The Auckland Aces face the Northern Knights and the Otago Volts meet the Central Stags at Invercargill.

The semi-finals will be held at the second placed team's home ground on Sunday January 21st.

Martin, who has yet to play in a Shell Cup final for Canterbury, looked forward to his first silverware by concluding succinctly, "with the Black Cap boys back I think most sides fear Canterbury."