Wellington beat hosts in opening round

An opening partnership worth a whopping 202 has led Wellington to a 49 run wicket victory via Duckworth-Lewis over Canterbury on day one of the Provincial A tournament.

Canterbury posted 233 all out from 46.1 overs after the match was reduced to 47 overs per side.  In reply Wellington needed 234 for victory and looked to be cruising at 211 for one, before rain forced the match to be decided via the Duck-worth-Lewis system.

Josh Brodie and Ben Orton were unstoppable for the first 37 overs of the chase, putting on 200 for the first wicket. Brodie finally fell after 37.4 overs, but the result of the match was no longer in doubt.

Orton brought up his century and finished unbeaten on 105, his innings coming off 115 balls and including nine fours and two sixes.

When rain saw the match halted after 38.4 overs, Wellington were 49 runs ahead of where they needed to be on the Duckworth-Lewis system.

Earlier, Joel Abraham at the top of the Canterbury innings had provided the biggest contribution with 65 from 69 balls.

He was aided by bits and pieces from the rest of the frontline batsmen, while the middle-order also helped out somewhat.

Brent Findlay (39) and Ben McCord (27) ensured their side would surpass 200 and led Canterbury to a somewhat competitive total.

Ili Tugaga was the best of the bowlers with figures of three for 23 from 8.1 overs, while Harry Boam also picked up three scalps, albeit at a more expensive rate.