Northern fails narrowly

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33740, 13 January 1975, Page 14

Northern fails narrowly

(N.Z. Press Association) ROTORUA. In spite of some daring batting in the last hour, Northern Districts finished 22 runs short of a win over Auckland in the Plunket Shield match which finished yesterday. Northern ended eight wickets down for 194 and the rain-marred match was drawn. Auckland declared its first innings at 225 for nine, and Northern replied with 157 for seven. Auckland again declared, at 147 for four, in its second innings, leaving Northern to score 216 runs in 130 minutes for victory. It managed 194 runs in 183 minutes for the loss of eight wickets. The Northern captain, Geoff Howarth, was caught by his brother, Hedley, only two runs short of his 500 for the shield season. He was on 27.

The remaining Northern batsmen took a lot of risks and some paid the penalty quickly. But there was also some fine batting, John Parker making 60 in 91 minutes.

With eight overs remaining, Northern needed 63 runs, but the successive losses of Parker, Mike Shrimpton, and Alan Stimpson cost the side its chance. Auckland kept a very tight field around the wicket and time finally ran out for the Northern batsmen.