MARK CHAPMAN GOES BIG FOR AUCKLAND ACES
Mark Chapman’s seventh first-class century (his sixth for the Auckland Aces) provided the opening day’s highlight in the third round of the national Plunket Shield.
Chapman took command at Eden Park’s Kennards Hire Community Oval to be unbeaten on 181* by stumps, creating a long, hot and largely fruitless afternoon for Canterbury in the field.
Chapman has struck 23 boundaries and five sixes in his innings so far, the hosts to resume tomorrow with a strong platform in the big match of 372/4.
Chapman brought up his 3,000th first-class run in the process, with batting partner Bevon Jacobs unbeaten on 53* overnight, in the second century partnership of the Aces’ innings.
First innings bonus points (in progress, cut-off is 110 overs): Aces 4 (maximum achieved for batting innings), Canterbury: 1.
In Hamilton, the Otago Volts declared their first innings at 301/9 shortly after reaching their third batting bonus point, tall ND paceman Scott Johnston doing most of the damage with the ball for a return of 4/51.
Leaders Northern stumbled with the bat before stumps, however, losing two quick wickets – both opening batters falling in the first seven overs of the reply. The hosts are set to resume tomorrow at 11/2, an overnight first innings deficit of 290.
First innings bonus points (in progress): ND 4 (maximum achieved for bowling innings), Otago Volts 3.
In Napier, the Central Stags are seven without loss in reply to the Wellington Firebirds’ first innings total of 251/9 declared. Young opening batter Tim Robinson top-scored for the visitors with 91, but the Stags collectively scythed through the remainder of the order until a 50-run ninth-wicket fightback between tailenders Liam Dudding and Michael Snedden (who scored an unbeaten 41) secured the Firebirds their first batting bonus.
Captain Nick Kelly declared as soon as the last pair (Snedden and James Hartshorn) had claimed a second batting bonus; left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox was the most successful of the Stags with 3/53.
First innings bonus points (in progress): Stags 4 (maximum achieved for bowling innings), Firebirds 2.
Day two in all matches begins at 10.30am tomorrow.
All matches are free admission for all four days
Livestreams for all games are free to watch at NZC YouTube:
