Long haul needed by Otago to score 411 in a day for victory

Glen Sulzberger ensured by scoring his sixth first class century today that Central Districts could set Otago a target of 436 for victory on the last day of their Shell Trophy match at Molyneux Park in Alexandra.

Central Districts started the day already enjoying a lead of 104 and it built on it well.

Sulzberger, a member of the CLEAR Black Caps earlier in the summer batted with a strapped right leg and in view of this handicap his innings was even more meritorious.

On a very good batting pitch a good batting side usually gets a big total and Central Districts did exactly that through fine innings from Craig Spearman 65, Mathew Sinclair 97, Ben Smith 76 and Glen Sulzberger with his 103.

Otago were handicapped with a shin splint injury to Craig Pryor who only bowled one over and this put extra pressure on the rest of the attack who kept on going on a cool day but also on a pitch that favoured the batting side greatly.

Craig Cumming (two for 38), Warren McSkimming (two for 115), David Sewell (one for 79) and Paul Wiseman (one for 95) were the successful Otago bowlers.

Otago setting off after 436 for victory had 12 overs to bat until stumps and unfortunately for them again lost Test opener Matt Horne cheaply and were 25 for one at stumps which were pulled six overs early because of bad light and still needing another 411 for victory.