Middle order jitters send Canterbury close to defeat at hands of Otago

When play commenced on day three of the Shell Trophy match at Molyneux Park, it was quite uncertain who held the advantage.

True, Otago held a first innings lead of 78 and that Canterbury one wicket lost in their second innings for 41 had a little to make before getting into credit but that should not have extended them too much and both sides seemed to have an equal chance of victory.

Canterbury started slowly but lost the nightwatchman Stephen Cunis early on and from that point never really got on top of a controlled Otago attack.

Jarrod Englefield batted well for a professional like 66 and looks a player of the future. He with wicket-keeper Gareth Hopkins was the only Canterbury batsman to score over 50. Hopkins carried his bat for 51 and while he was at the crease Canterbury had a chance of giving Otago a larger total to chase.

But, he ran out of partners and that, as they say, is that. Captain Gary Stead with 28 and Robbie Frew with 38 fought hard but both would have liked to have carried on. The Canterbury innings finished at 224.

The Otago attack bowled in a heat of 34 degrees and looked weary towards the end of the Canterbury innings and it would have to be said they impressed with their resolve. O'Connor (3-51), McSkimming (2-56), McCullum (2-10) and Cumming (2-11) were the main wicket-takers. Acknowledgement should however be given to Pryor (1-48) and Sewell (0-32) who improved his line and length from his first innings stint.

Horne handled his attack well and the fielding was steady. Martyn Croy behind the Otago stumps looked very competent with an outstanding catch to dismiss Robbie Frew.

Otago commenced its second innings needing 147 for victory and a faint chance that this total may be reached today but reasonably accurate bowling by Canterbury and the early loss of Mark Richardson put paid to that situation.

Matthew Horne and Craig Cumming batted through to stumps with the Otago total at 39-1, and still requiring 108 for its 55th victory over Canterbury in a first-class game.

As long as the weather remains dry this should be achieved tomorrow.