Three hurdles stand in Central’s path

Press, 7 March 1984, Page 48

Three hurdles stand in Central’s path

By R. T. BRITTENDEN Three hurdles now stand between the Central Districts cricket team and a first success in the Shell Trophy competition. There is the inquiry by a sub-committee of the Board of Control about the-legality of Central’s win over Auckland at Nelson on Sunday; there is the loss of yesterday’s play in the match against Otago in Invercargill; and there is a deficit in the side’s bowling rate. One of the requirements of this season’s contest is that each side should bowl a minimum average of 17 overs an hour during the full competition. An average of 16 overs an hour would incur a penalty of 10 points; a figure of 16.9 would cost

one point. The secretary of the New Zealand Cricket Council, Mr Graham Dowling, last evening released the figures for the six teams given to him by the associations, each of which then had one match to play. The averages are: Northern Districts, 16.51; Auckland, 17.13; Central Districts, 16.39; Wellington, 17.82; Canterbury, 17.45; Otago, 18.14.

Central’s cause is not lost. It is possible that it will be allowed the 16 points from the Nelson match. That would give it a total of 52, eight behind Canterbury. So if it can take maximum points against Otago, it would finish with 68. That would require Canterbury to beat Auckland outright in a

match at Eden Park which will start on Friday. If Central manages only 12 points against Otago — a win, after conceding a firstinnings lead — and Canterbury beats Auckland on the first innings, each side would have 64 points. In other seasons there would then be a count-back of averages for and against each team, but the over rate could be of real relevance.

Canterbury is safe enough, but Central Districts will need a tremendous effort if it is not to suffer. At present it stands to lose six points. It is to its advantage that the pitch at Invercargill usually favours spin bowling. David O’Sullivan and Matthew Toynbee could be very busy bowlers.