New Zealand: Walton's brilliance sparks a great escape (29 December 1998)

29 December 1998

New Zealand: Walton's brilliance sparks a great escape

by Bob Schumacher

Tim Walton neither batted nor bowled, but the English professional made a telling contribution to Canterbury's thrilling three-run Shell Cup win yesterday.

He was named 12th man for the first round match against Otago at Jade Stadium (Lancaster Park) and probably expected to be no more than a drinks carrier on a stifling summer's day.

However, he was soon required in the field, as a substitute for Llorne Howell, as Otago set about its task of scoring 201 runs to beat Canterbury

Otago was cantering to victory at 150 for three after 30 overs with only 51 needed off 120 balls. Even a middle-order collapse seemed unlikely to swing the match for Michael Lamont remained at the crease on 80.

Then Walton effected a stunning catch, jumping high at square leg and clawing a one-handed catch when the pull shot of the left-handed Lamont looked headed for the boundary.

That was the catalyst Canterbury needed. Spirits lifted, the bowlers had renewed bounce in their step and their deliveries, and the catching was sharp and sure.

Shane Bond bowled the delivery which removed Lamont and he hit the stumps of Shayne O'Connor in a double-wicket maiden 42nd over.

Otago had slumped to 182 for eight. Nathan Morland and Aaron Gale took the score to 197 before Mark Priest, at short gully, grasped a catch at the second attempt to remove Morland.

Gale, perhaps knowing the batting limitations of No. 11 Glenn Jonas, went for glory off the second ball of the 49th over, bowled by Mark Hastings, and succeeded only in holing out at deep long-off to Warren Wisneski.

It really was a great Canterbury escape as Otago had been in command for most of the match. Yet when the pressure was applied, Otago, perhaps remembering it had won only eight of 40 Shell Cup matches in the last four seasons, got the staggers and it crashed with victory only one boundary-hit away.

Canterbury was forced on the back foot from the start, losing its fifth wicket at 46 in the 21st over. It recovered somewhat, but the 200 did not look enough on a firm and even-paced pitch.

Mark Priest, needing one victim to become the most prolific wicket-taker in the cup's history, missed that target, but his authoritative batting in company with captain Gary Stead restored a sagging innings. They added 72 for the sixth wicket, Priest scoring his 37 off 53 balls.

Wisneski hit several lusty blows before Stead, who ended with 57, and new wicketkeeper Gareth Hopkins rattled on 53. Their half-century partnership took just 31 minutes and came off 48 balls.

Although Otago lost both openers quite early, captain Robbie Lawson and Lamont batted calmly and sensibly.

They put on 91 for the third wicket in 78 minutes, but Lawson's dismissal started Otago's slide.

Stead said Canterbury's never-say-die attitude helped the team survive when it should have perished. "I always believed if we got Lamont out we had a chance because they have a long tail. Tim Walton's catch turned the game.

"This was an average performance and we've got a lot to work on, but I'm absolutely delighted to get the win and the two points."

Source :: The Christchurch Press (https://www.press.co.nz/)