Canterbury middle order deny Northern record bid

In a game that included more shocking collapses than the Kobe earthquake, and more fighting comebacks than George Foreman, Canterbury came away with first innings points.

Beginning the day on 22/3, Canterbury looked to be in for a tough fight to force a draw. But Chris Harris batted like a millionaire throughout the first hour, hitting seven fours as he guided Canterbury out of the custard.

The former Mr New Zealand candidate was severe on a slightly wayward ND attack, hooking and pulling the quick bowlers and lofting the spinners down the ground.

Night-watchman Carl Anderson proved a useful foil and looked competent as he held up an end through to the lunch break. With Northern unable to break through in the morning session, and Canterbury increasing its lead to 130, any prospect of an outright result had gone by lunch.

Interest in the middle session centred on whether Harris could bat on and record the first century of the match. But he appeared disinterested, turning three's into two's with some ambivalent running between the wickets. It came as no surprise when he was run-out for 79 attempting a silly single.

However, the fourth wicket partnership of 122 had ensured the match would end as a draw and likely be called off early.

For the second match in succession Canterbury had to settle for first innings points, despite scoring over 300 in its first innings. The perennial Shell Cup champion hasn't managed a trophy victory since beating Northern in March 1999 - a winless streak now extended to eight matches.

By contrast ND came to Rangiora in search of a record eighth consecutive win. But while the young Canterbury side has not yet found a winning formula, it is growing in experience and is no longer an easybeat.

Both Auckland and ND have come to Canterbury and toiled for four days on flat tracks without reward. An exceptional bowling effort is required to dismiss sides twice on the benign pitches in this part of the country.

For Canterbury, Stephen Cunis made the most of his late inclusion to capture his maiden first-class five-wicket bag.

Matthew Hart's gritty, undefeated 72 was the standout ND performance, taking the defending champions from the brink of disaster to within 15 runs of first innings points.

Scott Styris, Daryl Tuffey and James Marshal were at the ground today and look set to come into the ND side for tomorrow's round three Shell Cup one-day match.