2023/24
ROUND SIX
BIG DAY OUT IN PALMERSTON NORTH
Brad Schmulian's sixth first-class century has helped the defending champion Central Stags reach their fourth highest ever first-class total, putting a mammoth 572/9 on the board at Fitzherbert Park.
Schmulian top-scored with 186 after a 191-run third-wicket stand with Curtis Heaphy – who had celebrated his own (maiden) century the previous day.
After a long day in the field, current Plunket Shield leaders the Wellington Firebirds lost three second-innings wickets late in the day, and will head into the final morning (Monday) on 60/3 – needing a further 217 runs to make the Stags bat again, with nightwatchman Iain McPeake and Tim Robinson (26 not out) set to resume.
The Central Stags have taken the maximum 8 first innings bonus points from the game and will net the full 20 points should they go on to victory. The Wellington Firebirds took 3 first innings bonus points which won't be enough to maintain the Plunket Shield lead should the Stags shut them out.
HAMPTON HAMMERS HUNDRED IN HAMILTON
Brett Hampton | PHOTOSPORT
Northern Districts allrounder Brett Hampton has hammered his maiden first-class ton, batting at seven as ND continued to dominate the Auckland Aces at Seddon Park.
The hard-hitting allrounder hammered his unbeaten 100 not out at run-a-ball pace, after which captain Jeet Raval declared ND's second innings at 334/9.
Joe Walker | PHOTOSPORT
That set the winless Aces a challenging target of 423 to win, with just over four sessions remaining in the game. By stumps, the Aucklanders had lost three key wickets, including captain Robbie O'Donnell, and will head into the last day at 77/3, needing to find a further 347 runs if they are stop their losing streak.
Northern has taken five of the eight possible first-innings points from the match, and will move back to the top of the table with either a win or a draw tomorrow – unless the Wellington Firebirds can conjure up a remarkable victory in Palmerston North.
OTAGO VOLTS SAVOUR THEIR FIRST VICTORY
Canterbury's Plunket Shield frustrations have grown after they fell victim to the previously winless Otago Volts at Alexandra's Molyneux Park, the hosts winning comfortably inside three days, by nine wickets.
The result leaves Canterbury, last season's runner up, stuck in fourth with just two rounds to go.
Dale Phillips | PHOTOSPORT
