Win apiece for CD and Academy Selection

In the first of two one-day matches at Bert Sutcliffe Oval, a century by Peter Ingram proved the difference that allowed Central Districts to claim a 22-run win over the Academy selection. A howling north-westerly dominated the early part of the game, and at one stage players left the field for 13 minutes during a severe dust storm. The sight screen at the southern end of the ground was battered and rendered unusable in the high wind.

CD were scoring nearly as hard as the wind was blowing, reaching 81 by the 18th over. Ingram scored his century off 124 balls. At one stage the CD innings looked likely to self destruct as they lost five wickets in six overs. However, while they did lose seven wickets for 38 runs, they had the insurance provided by their top-order and the final total was still defendable.

The most encouraging sign for New Zealand cricket was the sight of Shane Bond back in action and firing in one or two really sharp deliveries and, most importantly of all, feelinng good afterwards. He took 2-51 from his 10 overs.

The loss of Mark Richardson and Jesse Ryder early upset the Selection's cause although Ross Taylor, batting with a runner, and Neil Broom, scored 104 before they were parted, and with them went the impetus in the innings. Both batted well and scored half-centuries, Taylor 58 and Broom 52. Campbell Furlong had good reward with his off-spin while taking 3 for 37.

Brief scoreboard:

Central Districts 264 (P Ingram 112, J How 36, J Englefield 34, S Bond 2-51, R Sherlock 2-62) beat New Zealand Academy Selection 242 (R Taylor 58, N Broom 52, C Furlong 3-37, E Thompson 3-42) by 22 runs.

In the second match between the sides, the Academy Selection looked in trouble at 48 for 3 after 10 overs. It wasn't until James Hill joined Neil Broom for the fifth-wicket that things began to improve. Broom was in fine touch, and Hill just worked the ball around to suit Broom's needs. They added 61 off 67 balls before Hill was out leg before wicket for 20. Broom achieved his half-century off 73 balls and played a key role in holding the innings together. Mark Orchard proved useful during the last few overs as the lower-order batsmen worked the ball around to leave their side on a reasonable total of 243-9.

Peter Ingram was again to the fore in CD's response but when he was dismissed for 48 to an edge from Regan West's bowling, CD were 82-5. Jarrod Englefield stood tall in the middle-order and while he kept losing partners, he managed to achieve his half-century off 60 balls. When CD were finally dismissed Englefield remained unbeaten on 68. Orchard had a good return with the ball, taking 4 for 39.

Brief scoreboard:

New Zealand Academy Selection 243-9 (N Broom 76, M Richardson 28, M Orchard 26*, J How 2-20, A Schwass 2-53) beat CD 203 (J Englefield 68*, P Ingram 48, M Orchard 4-39, R Sherlock 2-49) by 40 runs.