Tough work on day one for Aces
Friday, 15 February 2013
Anaru Kitchen top scored for the Aces with 74
The Otago Volts dismissed the Auckland Aces for 221 on day one of the penultimate round of the Plunket Shield on Thursday, with Neil Wagner claiming his 12th First-Class five wicket-bag in the process.
Currently sitting in second, it’s a crucial match for the Volts, who will be desperate to close the gap between themselves and the leading Central Stags. They’ll be encouraged by their performance so far, having maintained control throughout day.
Anaru Kitchen (74) somewhat salvaged the situation for Auckland, having at one stage been in the dire position of 64 for five. Their total though is already beginning to look meagre, with the Volts 118 for two at the close of play.
Aaron Redmond (72) and Darren Broom (35) showed flair in the Volts’ opening stand, smashing 111 before the first wicket fell.
Their efforts set the Volts up to be able to build a substantial first-innings lead tomorrow.
The opportunity comes after the Aces’ top-order capitulated in the opening session, with Colin de Grandhomme’s 16 the highest score to come from the top five.
With a total of below 100 threatening, Kitchen then gave the Aces a lifeline, cracking 74 from 86 deliveries.
Both Dusan Hakaraia (23) and Bruce Martin (31) produced helpful cameos to see their side past 200, but Wagner had the last laugh as he took the final two wickets to finish the innings.
Sam Wells picked up they key wickets of Kitchen and Martin, while three other Volts’ bowlers picked up one apiece.
Night-watchman Nick Beard (6*) and Michael Bracewell (0*) will resume tomorrow103 runs behind the Aces total.
(courtesy of blakcaps.co.nz)
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