Cricketers head for win

Press, 6 September 1989, Page 33

Cricketers head for win

NZPA London New Zealand’s youth cricket team looks headed for a win in .its three-day fixture against the Kent Young Cricketers at Gillingham today. At stumps on the second day yesterday Kent was 13 for three, needing 242 to win. The pitch was described as "sub-standard" by the New Zealand manager, John Howell, with the spinners turning the ball from well outside the leg stump past the off stump. In all, 20 wickets fell yesterday, as Kent tumbled from its overnight 49 for two to be

dismissed for 138 in its first innings. The left arm spinner, Matthew Hart, returned figures of seven for 37 from 20.1 overs, with fellow spinner Mark Richardson taking two for 31 from 16 overs. New Zealand was then dismissed for 137, having switched its batting order to give those players short on match practice time at the crease. It was struggling at 96 for nine, before the regular opener, Blair Pocock and the Wellington fast. bowler, Stephen hotter, added 41 for the last wicket.

Kent then lost three wickets in the final half hour’s play. On the bright side, the top batsman, Chris Harris, is expected to be released from hospital today after suffering a severe stomach virus. Howell said there is a "SOSO” chance of the Canterbury batsman being ready for Friday’s final test in Manchester. Scores: New Zealand 242 and 137 (B. Pocock 41 not out, C. Cairns 33, S. Hotter 19; T. Wren 4-55, N. Ellong 3-22) Kent 138 (G. Myers 34; M. Hart 7-37, M. Richardson 231) and 13-3 (Hart 2-5, K. O’Dowda 1-8).