Horne century takes Otago to first innings points

When Otago began this the second day's play in the Shell Trophy match against Canterbury at Molyneux Park, they were chasing a Canterbury score of 201 to gain first innings points.

This they achieved with an eventual lead of 78 runs mainly due to the 16th first-class hundred of New Zealand representative Matthew Horne who although was the saviour of Otago went through periods of inactivity during his hundred. At times his feet did not seem to be moving the way he would have liked and how he has been seen in past innings. He was assisted by Craig Cumming with a solid fifty, Chris Gaffaney a classy 44, and Andrew Hore a timely 22.

Bowling for Canterbury, Stephen Cunis, the son of former New Zealand representative Bob Cunis, captured 5-59 and was assisted by Warren Wisneski (2-69) and Shane Bond (3-52). Cunis bowled with the characteristic grit that was often shown by his father for Auckland and New Zealand. His line and length were impressive on a day which was none too cool for the main part.

Canterbury began its second innings in cautious fashion and were progressing well when in the 14th over Harley James was adjudged lbw to Shane O'Connor with the score at 17. Cunis came in as nightwatchman and survived with Robbie Frew until stumps when the Canterbury total was 41-1. This meant Otago had a lead of 37 and Canterbury still has nine wickets in hand.

Basically the game is on even terms, but Otago has lost International spinner Paul Wiseman to New Zealand duty at the WestpacTrust Stadium tomorrow and this will obviously weaken the Southerners' attack. Any prediction of a possible victor at this stage would be crass and we can only await developments on day three.