Otago’s bowlers win chase for wickets

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33740, 13 January 1975, Page 20

Otago’s bowlers win chase for wickets

r '(N.Z. Press Association) DUNEDIN. Otago scored its third win in the Plunket Shield competition by heating Central Districts by 67 runs at Carisbrook yesterday to end three days of glorious cricket from the two teams. While each had several heroes, Otago’s particular men of the match were Glenn Turner, who scored a century in each innings and the offspinner, Gren Alabaster, who took five wickets in each innings. In the three days, no fewer than 1175 runs were scored and three grand centuries were recorded. For Central, its opening batsman, Dermot Payton, made a splendid 145. Otago’s share of the total runs was 621. After making 295 for five declared in its first innings, the side scored 326 for two in the second innings, leaving Central to get 309 runs in 325 minutes to

win. for one. And Central chased the Yesterday, Turner and runs, even though the side Robert Anderson, who was was batting only 10 men. The 42 not out on Saturday,]

slow left-arm bowler, David O’Sullivan, who made 49 not out in Central’s first innings, was unable to bat because of a finger injury he suffered when he attempted a catch off his own bowling in Otago’s second innings. Payton, for the first part of Saturday, and Turner, in the afternoon, dominated that day’s play.

145 by Payton Payton made a fine century in 221 minutes, with 13 4s, and was finally eighth out for his 145 made in just under five hours. O’Sullivan was unfortunate to miss his half century, still being unbeaten when the Central innings ended at 313, made in even time. Alabaster, who bowled poorly in the first hour, went on to finish with five for 122 off 26 overs. Then it was Turner’s turn, and he was 129 at the close. His century came up in 141 minutes and he had not given a chance. Twenty-six not out at tea, he added another 103 runs in the final session, by which stage Otago was 192 for one. Yesterday, Turner and Robert Anderson, who was 42 not out on Saturday,

brought up the 150 in only 131 minutes, Anderson reaching his 50 in 138 minutes. He was out soon after, the second wicket falling at 226. The left-hander, Henry Sampson, began to flog the Central attack in exhilarating fashion. He scored his 50 in only 55 minutes off 50 deliveries and was unbeaten when Turner, in sight of his double century, closed the innings. The declaration left Otago 308 in front and Central with ample time in which to get the runs. The pitch was still docile and the outfield fast. In the 56 minutes to lunch Central scored 33 for the loss of Graham Edwards. Afterwards Payton and Pierce were well in charge for the first hour, adding 57 runs, but when both were out with the total on 90, and Wayne Burtt was also dismissed before the 100 was reached, Central’s prospects slumped sharply. David Neall, with a fine 53 in 55 minutes, and Lance Cairns, who lambasted the Otago bowlers to the tune of a thrilling 56, his 50 coming up in only 37 minutes, kept Central in the match, but Otago gained a grip on the play which it refused to loosen.