ND on verge of victory despite pyrotechnics from Loveridge and Oram

Just as it seemed that the third Central Districts collapse in three completed Shell Trophy innings this season might lead to a third day finish, the match erupted back into life, perhaps inspired by Mount Ruapehu, an active volcano visible on the horizon.

The day finished with Northern Districts firmly in control, expecting to win by lunchtime tomorrow. CD is 179-8 in its second innings, leading by 97.

But the highlight of the day was some spectacular batting by Loveridge and Oram for the CD sixth wicket. If they were going to go down, it would be with all guns blazing.

The day started with ND 261-5, 28 behind CD's first innings total. ND needed not only to take first innings points, but also to build a big enough lead to withstand the disadvantage of batting last on a turning pitch.

The overnight batsmen, Hood and Yovich, fell early, raising fears that even the lead might not be achieved. These were dispelled by Hart and Doull, who put on 41 for the eighth wicket in their trademark styles.

In Hart's case this means pushing the ball around and clumping the loose ones to the boundary. Doull is even more direct. His batting style is the equivalent of running full tilt at a brick wall, though he produced one cover drive that would grace the cover of a coaching manual.

With nine down and the lead standing at only 49, ND did not feel that it had done enough. For the second time in a week the last wicket partnership of Bruce Martin and Graeme Aldridge came to the rescue. They added 42, making a total of 122 in successive innings. They are unlikely to keep making such substantial last wicket partnerships, simply because they will be batting up the order before long.

Ewan Thompson finished with four wicket, all lbw. This may seem an unlikely result for a left arm paceman, but he gets very close to the stumps and bowls wicket to wicket.

Michael Mason got an overdue wicket, but his figures of 37-15-63-1 still failed to do him justice.

With the CD middle and lower order displaying the fragility of bone china so far this season, a good start was essential. The openers went early, but at 100-2 with Ben Smith looking as if he could take on the world, CD was onits way to setting the target of 200 demanded by coach Dipak Patel.

Treble disaster struck as three wickets fell to spinners Bradburn and Martin with no addition to the score. Two of them were sharp catches taken by Brett Hood at short leg. Peter McGlashan waited for some time after being given out, clearly aggrieved with the decision.

Oram and Loveridge was the sixth wicket partnership. At first they treated every ball with exaggerated respect. Loveridge looked nervous, having batted a long time for no runs in the first innings.

Then Oram received a long hop from Martin and put it into the stand.

This had a liberating effect on both batsmen, with all out attack suddenly becoming the order of the day. Loveridge, like Kerry Packer at the gaming tables, dealt only in large denominations. His 28 consisted of four fours and two sixes, nothing else.

Oram scored 34 including five fours and a six. Both men were out playing attacking shots.

The crowd, if that is an accurate description of seven people sitting beyond shouting distance of each other, loved it. CD Coach Dipak Patel was less impressed.

"It was exciting to watch, but twenties and thirties were no good to us. We set out to be positive, but not reckless. I was disappointed to see our guys getting out caught at cover."

Normality was restored thereafter, with Grant Bradburn, yet again, imposing control. He finished the day with figures of 24-7-54-3, despite being struck for a couple of sixes by Loveridge.

Patel has not given up hope.

"We would like to have set them 200, but 150 would still give us a chance. It is turning."

He is pleased with the debut performance of off-spinner Haydn Morgan.

"He has bowled very well and we couldn't have asked more of him. If Loveridge can bowl well with him tomorrow with enough runs on the board, we could still do it."

The game is certainly not over, but the experience of the ND team makes them heavy favourites to maintain their hundred per cent record in this season's Shell Trophy.