New Zealand Domestic: season 2012-13

The 1st class season in NZ has gotten underway with Canterbury hosting Otago in Rangiora and Central Districts hosting Wellington in Napier

Otago are on top after 2 days, on day 1 a solid 95 from new NZ selection Todd Astle at #8 lifted Canterbury to 297. A good effort from Astle who has re-invented himself as a leg spinning all-rounder in the past 2 seasons after failing as an opener. In response Otago openers Aaron (son of Rodney**) Redmond and Hamish (son of Ken) Rutherford shared a 186 run opening stand, however the middle order failed to capitalise on the start and they were all out for 383. Neil Wagner's 2 wickets at the end of the day leave to Canterbury at 2/2 with a fair amount of work to do.

Veteran Mathew "Skippy" Sinclair and Carl Cachopa scored centuries on the opening day in Napier, Sinclair will resume on 135 with Central looking to build on their 301/3.



* Rodney Redmond played 1 test vs Pakistan in 1973, scoring 107 and 56. However on the tour of England later that year his failure to adapt to new contact lenses cost him his test place meaning he retired with an impressive test average of 81.5!
** Ken Rutherford captained NZ in the early 1990s.

Pete - I can't claim to know much about NZ first class cricket - how many first class teams are there?

Mathew Sinclair would appear to be the Hick/ Ramps of NZ cricket - top FC player but poor Test player.

Corporalhumblebucket wrote:Pete - I can't claim to know much about NZ first class cricket - how many first class teams are there?

6 teams. Auckland and Northern Districts' game is to be played later, they left the calendar clear in case Auckland were still in the CLT20

Thanks for starting it up. Could be a good source for understanding the game better.
Thanks should also go to KPFan who started the transformation of the county thread into a larger debate on domestic cricket, by starting the thread on India domestic cricket.
Hope there would be more threads that would give us a better idea about domestic cricket. The South African and Australian FC seasons are also on, would be great if someone could get those sections going as well.

NZ's first class cricket is pretty is pretty Old......says CI
starting in 1906 and called Plunket Shield......earlier foir a while it was caled the Shell shield.

Kiwireddevil has already explained 6 teams play and it apperas like India....cricket is passed on from the father to son in NZ also.

They have a 50 over and a 20 over competition also.

This will be an informative thread for all cricket lovers

Canterbury crumbled to 35/4 in the morning session on day 3, before a Dean Brownlie century and an unbroken 83 run 9th wicket stand between Todd Astle and Ben McCord lifted them to 308/8. That leaves them with a 240-odd run lead going into the final day, with the pitch still looking easy to bat on.

Black Cap Neil Wagner was only able to bowl 9 balls all day after being hit in the face by a stray ball in the warm ups. Otago's attack was further limited when James (Craig's cousin) McMillan broke down after just 7 overs, which also forced team coach Vaughan Johnson to come on as a sub fielder, with Otago only bringing 12 players north.

The Wellington bowlers lead by ex-international Andy McKay managed to peg back Central Districts in the morning session before CD declared at 383/8. In reply Wellington managed a century opening stand but rather collapsed to 254/8, though Jessie Ryder is unbeaten on 84

Thanks for the update.
Strangely, I can't find the live scores of these matches on cricinfo live scores page.
Good to see Dean Brownlie among the runs, and for NZ and world cricket, the sooner Ryder sourts himself out the better it will be.
Have they really given up on him?

msp83 wrote:Thanks for the update.
Strangely, I can't find the live scores of these matches on cricinfo live scores page.
Good to see Dean Brownlie among the runs, and for NZ and world cricket, the sooner Ryder sourts himself out the better it will be.
Have they really given up on him?

It looks like Cricinfo are just updating scorecards at the end of each session. Once upon a time (10 years ago) they used to do a live text feed from NZ 1st class cricket matches

Ryder will be back as long as he can continue demonstrating he's cleaned up his act - it's worth noting that his time out of the NZ game was his own idea. Certainly no-one's really putting their hand up for his spot at the moment.

I looked up the cricinfo live scores page and couldn't find anything on the NZ matches. I eventually found the scores on the New Zealand home page. Strange.

msp83 wrote:I looked up the cricinfo live scores page and couldn't find anything on the NZ matches. I eventually found the scores on the New Zealand home page. Strange.

There are "Australia Domestic" and "NZ Domestic" links on the right hand side of CI's homepage in the "Scores" box, (below the womens' associate nations Asian Cup), you click on the little + button to expand to match links.

My nice summary post just got lost when I accidentally hit the little "back" button on my keyboard

Anyway, Jessie Ryder scored 117 no off 113 balls in Wellington's 340 all out, leaving them 43 behind on the 1st innings. Useful contributions got CD through to 223/6 at stumps, though plenty of batsmen will be disappointed at not converting starts. Jeetan Patel wicketless in 22 overs, not promising ahead of the SL tests.


Otago thrashed Canterbury by 8 wickets, Todd Astle's 2nd 50 of the game helped Canterbury set a target of 267, but ex-test player Aaron Redmond's second century of the game saw Otago home, with Michael Bracewell* compiling a good 88no.

*He's John and Brendan's nephew, Doug's cousin. Only 21, and averaging 38 in FC cricket so one to watch

Good to see Jessie going on to that hundred. He's a terrific tallent and I hope he'll back in international cricket soon. Performances such as this one would certainly help.
Todd Astle seems like a good pick for New Zealand and good to see another Bracewell making a mark.
What about Noema-Barnett, seems like a decent all-round option?

Jessie Ryder smashed his 2nd century of the match overnight, 174 off 132 balls as Wellington easily chased down 342 to beat Central Districts after CD declared at 298/7 including a rapid 85 from Doug Bracewell.

After Ryder's dismissal the Luke's (Woodcock and Ronchi) added 63 to see Wellington home with 15 overs to spare.

Terrific from Jessie, he certainly among the best as far New Zealand is concerned, I just hope he stays on course with the mental bit and will be back soon.
Kiwi, what do you think of Ronchi's shift to New Zealand and his chances with the national side?

msp83 wrote:Terrific from Jessie, he certainly among the best as far New Zealand is concerned, I just hope he stays on course with the mental bit and will be back soon.
Kiwi, what do you think of Ronchi's shift to New Zealand and his chances with the national side?

I'm not sure I like it, given that he's actually (I think?) played for Australia in limited overs. With McCullum's back increasingly impacting his role as a keeper Ronchi's well in the mix, as I suspect he's a better batsman than van Wyk and a better keeper than Watling. And of course both of those are Saffas by birth

The Ronchi thing is very questionable - he's explicitly saying that he thinks he's got a better chance of playing for NZ than Australia...

Even Trott and KP didn't really go down that route initially - they were thinking more of playing for counties than for England...

Shelsey93 wrote:The Ronchi thing is very questionable - he's explicitly saying that he thinks he's got a better chance of playing for NZ than Australia...

Even Trott and KP didn't really go down that route initially - they were thinking more of playing for counties than for England...

As a wicket keeper in NZ he's got a very good chance. I remember at high school during pre-season try-outs Tony Blain (he was working as a PE teacher for the school and coaching the 1st XI) commenting that as a keeper in NZ 1st class cricket you had a real chance of a call up, as there were only 5 other guys in the mix. The following season he started his 2 year run as test keeper after replacing an injured Adam Parore.

But to be honest I really hope we don't pick Ronchi.

BJ Watling did look pretty OK with the bat in ODIs in the West Indies. Think he's due some more chances in the longer format.

The HRV Cup T20 competition got underway overnight with Northern Districts hosting Otago in Hamilton.

ND were in trouble at 42/4 in the 8th before English imports Steven Croft and James Foster came together and added a 144 run stand. 3 wickets to Neil Wagner in the last over was a bit too late and ND finished on 174/7.

In repy Otago weren't able to get into the swing of the chase, and struggled through to 150/6, Hamish Rutherford top scoring with 47. Ex-Otago seamer Bradley Scott was particularly parsimonious.

Round 2 of the Plunket Shield sees Central Districts hosting Auckland in Napier and Otago visiting Hamilton to face Northern Districts.

Rain washed out much of the first day in Napier, with CD grinding their way through to 130/3 in 50 overs after being put in to bat. The pitch proved a bit easier on day 2, with Carl Cachopa's 179 anchoring CD's 430/9 declared. In response Auckland have stumbled to 80/4, with Andrew Lamb taking 3 wickets.

Wickets tumbled on day 1 in the other match, ND's 204 was notable for 4 wickets from Ian Butler, 6 catches for wicket keeper Derek de Boorder (who despite his name isn't another Saffa-born keeper in the NZ game) and 48 from young Indian born leg spinner Ish Sodhi on debut at number 8.

In response Otago crumbled to 71/5 at stumps, Brett Arnel picking up 4. Things improved for the southerners on day 2 as all rounder Jimmy Neesham nearly doubled his highest 1st class score posting 124, while Ian Butler smashed 61* off 49 scoring 51 in a 55 run last wicket stand to lift the team to 298. ND's openers Wilson and Yovich wiped off the deficit before both fell after posting 50s, leaving the side 120/2 at stumps.

Day 3 update:
Auckland are praying for rain in Napier after being dismissed for 210 in their first innings, discarded international Tarun Nethula taking 3 wickets to spin out the tail. Left arm spinner Bruce Martin top scored with 56 not out. Following on things weren't much better, and by stumps Auckland were 210/7, still 10 runs off making CD bat again. Anaru Kitchen top-scored with 60, while Nethula has 3 wickets already on a dry turning track.

There were runs aplenty in Hamilton, where Daniel Flynn (182) and Corey Anderson (167) added 283 for the 4th wicket for Northern Districts, helping the home side to a massive 533/6 declared, setting Otago 440 to win.

Flynn, who will join the Black Caps for the test series in Sri Lanka later this month, hit his 11th first class ton for the Knights, which is an ND record, surpassing Graeme Hick's 10.

In reply Otago were in some trouble in the 10 overs they batted before stumps, losing both openers to Jimmy Baker, and they will start the final day on 12/2.

11 FC tons is a Northern Districts record! Doesn't say much for their batting...

Shelsey93 wrote:11 FC tons is a Northern Districts record! Doesn't say much for their batting...

Indeed. ND has been a 1st class province since 1955. For most of that time they have only played 5 1st class matches a year though, and international players usually miss some of those. They've traditionally been one of the weaker provinces, particularly in batting (lots of bits-and-pieces all-rounders), and neighbouring Auckland have often poached their better players. I am surprised the Marshall twins and the Parlane brothers haven't done better - though on 2nd thoughts Hamish had a better international record than a 1st class one.

Their list of "notable players" is pretty short
Chris Cairns spent most of career with Canterbury
Lance Cairns most of career at CD/Otago
Simon Doull - bowler
Bob Cunis - most of career in Auckland
Daniel Flynn
Matthew Hart - started as a bowler
Robbie Hart - keeper
Gareth Hopkins spent several seasons with Auckland/Canterbury/CD/Otago!
Geoff Howarth spent several seasons with CD/Auckland
Hamish Marshall
James Marshall
Michael Parlane - moved to Wellington for a while
Neil Parlane - moved to Wellington
John Parker spent several seasons with Wellington
Tim Southee - bowler
Scott Styris spent several seasons with Auckland
Bert Sutcliffe - most of career with Otago
Shane Thomson - started out as a bowler
Daryl Tuffey - bowler
Daniel Vettori - bowler, hasn't gotten to play much FC cricket
David White - spent several seasons with Auckland
John Wright - spent most of his career with Canterbury
Bryan Young - spent several seasons with Auckland
Grant Bradburn - bowler. Well sort of.
Kane Williamson - still pretty young

Graeme Hick 3 or 4 seasons
Andrew Strauss 1 season IIRC
Matthew Maynard - 2 or 3 seasons only
Tillakaratne Dilshan limited overs only
Craig Kieswetter limited overs only
Herschelle Gibbs limited overs only
Brad Hodge limited overs only

Who are the international prospects emerging in this season so far? And who other than Jessie are prime for an international return? Is Nethula a spinner who turns it?

Oh, and I see, the Fantom has scored, well yet another duck! for Auckland.

msp83 wrote:Who are the international prospects emerging in this season so far? And who other than Jessie are prime for an international return? Is Nethula a spinner who turns it?

Only 4 matches in at this point, so a wee bit early to say much. Carl Cachopa could be looming as a batting prospect, and Neil Broom is hinting at a recall, ditto Aaron Redmond.

There's not much spin in NZ in spring (Napier expected), the winter was pretty wet. Nethula, Wagner, Arnel and Butler are topping the overall wicket lists - all past or present internationals. Tim Johnson and Bruce Martin are other spinners with wickets - Martin's been around for years without cracking the big time, Johnson is a young allrounder, just 5 FC matches, but averaging 42 with the bat - and 49 with the ball, so his 5-wicket bag last week could just be a blip. He's played for NZ U19 though, and been through the MCC young cricketer scheme, so one to watch.

Central Districts completed a win overnight, a Colin Munro century and Michael Bates 50 got Auckland up to 365. The Phantom actually scored a run in the 2nd innings too, while Nethula finished with 4-67. CD's openers added 51 in the low chase, but thereafter wickets fell steadily, and a couple of lusty late-in-the day blows from Bracewell and Noema-Barnett were needed to bring in a 4 wicket win.

Otago managed to escape with a draw in the other match, Neil Broom batting nearly all day for 146no, and number 9 Mark Craig contributing 93 in a 2 1/2 hour 149 run partnership - not bad considering his previous highest score was 28. Ian Butler held out for the final half hour, and Otago finished on 353/8

I've had a look at Noema-Barnett's cricinfo profile. Seems to be a decent all-rounder. Nothing great with all or bat, but seems OK. And seems like he has been among the runs of late. Any chance of him making the step up to the next level?

Jessie Ryder's good form continues, he scored 90 no off 57 balls to lead Wellington's successful chase vs Canterbury in the HRV Cup T20.

Earlier Shaun Tait took 2-14 off his 4 overs to restrict Canterbury to 147/6

It wasn't a totally good day for Ryder who was fined $750 for showing dissent in the Plunkett Shield match vs CD last week

Continued good signes from Ryder, Good for NZ and cricket as such. But the other side also showes up at the same, perhaps they have to take the package as such, just try and keep the other side to a reasonable level.
Pete what about Noema-Barnett?

Auckland thrashed Northern Districts by 10 wickets inside 3 days over the weekend. Batting first a century to veteran opener Joseph Yeovitch was ND's only bright light in their 208 all out (I can remember when Yeovitch was batting 11 and opening the bowling for ND!) Former ND spinner Bruce Martin took 4-43. Martin then scored a century at number 8 helping Auckland through to 392 all out. The youngest of the 3 South African born Cachopa brothers, 20yo Craig wicket keeper, made 84. (OK, now there's 4 South African born keepers in NZ 1st class cricket - Brad Cachopa has the gloves for Canterbury today)

Yeovitch top-scored again in ND's second innings with 42 as they collapsed to 196 all out, Martin taking 3-63.

It only took Auckland 8 balls to knock off the 13 runs for victory in the 2nd innings.

The Otago vs Canterbury match started in Dunedin overnight, with Canterbury being rolled out for 254 after being 176/1 at one point. After Peter Fulton's 102 and Shannan Stewart's 76 the rest of the scorecard makes sorry reading. Otago were 7/0 at the close of play.

Otago's reply rather stuttered on day 2 as they batted through to 272 all out, Hamish Rutherford top scoring with 46, and (in traditional NZ style) numbers 7, 8 and 9 all chimed in with 40s. Canterbury's off spinners Johnston and McConchie shared 5 wickets.

On day 3 Peter Fulton batted all day for 106no, his 2nd century of the match as Canterbury posted 234/5. The next highest corners were opener George Worker and extras with 28 each. Medium pacer Jimmy Neesham kept things tight, going for just 25 off his 21 overs.

Pete C (Kiwireddevil) wrote:Otago's reply rather stuttered on day 2 as they batted through to 272 all out, Hamish Rutherford top scoring with 46, and (in traditional NZ style) numbers 7, 8 and 9 all chimed in with 40s. Canterbury's off spinners Johnston and McConchie shared 5 wickets.

On day 3 Peter Fulton batted all day for 106no, his 2nd century of the match as Canterbury posted 234/5. The next highest corners were opener George Worker and extras with 28 each. Medium pacer Jimmy Neesham kept things tight, going for just 25 off his 21 overs.

On a rain affected day 4 Canterbury lost Fulton without addition to the overnight score of 237/5 and the tail proceeded to collapse in farsical fashion, including one runout and one handled the ball dismissal. The declaration came at 252/9.

Set 235 to win, Otago had a crack at the target, with Aaron Redmond's 61 and Neil Broom's 49 getting them up to 118/2 before the collapse started. At 178/7 with 10 overs remaining the home side shut up shop, Darren Broom and Mark Craig holding out to the end of the day, meaning the match was drawn.

Central Districts need just 93 more runs to beat Northern Districts overnight, in a poor game for ND's top 3, who scored 39 runs between them in the match.

ND were shot out for 183 batting first, wicketkeeper Adam Wheater leading a fightback from 49/4. In reply CD also struggled somewhat, before NZ T20 bowler Adam Milne scored 38, his highest 1st class score in a 55 run last wicket stand with wicket keeper Ben Smith to push the score up to 341.

ND's second innings again saw a collapse to 81/6 before Daryl Mitchell, Graeme Aldridge and Ish Sodhi revived the innings somewhat. Ultimately they were all out for 252 with Milne and seamer Ben Wheeler picking up 4 wickets each (Wheeler's older brother Joe plays lock for the Highlanders and is tipped for All Black honours in future, talented family).

CD were 2/0 at stumps.

The Canterbury vs Wellington match started in Rangiora yesterday, with the home side opting to send Wellington in, a move which paid dividends as the visitors slumped to 126/9. NZ all rounder Andrew Ellis* picked up 6-58, including Jessie Ryder for 1. Former NZ bowlers Andy McKay and Mark Gillespie then slogged another 113 runs in 19 overs, #11 Gillespie making 77 off 63 balls with 4 sixes and 9 fours.

McKay and Gillespie then picked up a wicket each to have Canterbury 5/2 before ex-internationals Peter Fulton and Dean Brownlie saw the locals through to stumps adding 86.


*A few years ago in Christchurch club cricket a scorecard read
"Andrew Ellis c&b Andrew Ellis" - the batsman went on to play half back for the All Blacks and the bowler to the Black Caps.

After a day 2 washout Canterbury picked up 1st innings points on their way to 301/8 declared. The 180 run stand between Brownlie (133) and Fulton (79) was the highlight. Mark Gillespie finished with 4-74.

In response the Wellington openers were untroubled getting through to 135 without loss. Ex-Cantab and Black Cap (and former teammate of mine at ECSCC) Michael Papps was on 95*.

Mark Gillespie's return to international cricket last year wasn't bad, but interestingly he finds himself out of the squad and if I remember correctly without a national contract as well? Good to see him performing at the domestic level though. New Zealand have a good set of young quick bowlers and even Chris Martin these days isn't an automatic pick. At his age it might be dificult for Gillespie to make it back to the national side though. Did Jessie have a bowl in the match?

JD Ryder 13-2-1-30. Andy McKay didn't bowl overnight (not sure why) so looks like Jessie bowled his overs.

Tons of runs on the final day in Christchurch, over 500 of them in 100 overs in fact.

In the morning Wellington's openers extended their partnership to 211 before the middle order failed, leaving them 235/4. Papps and Woodcock then added a quick 80 run stand, and Wellington ultimate declared at 364/5 6 overs after lunch, with Papps unbeaten on 206.

Set 303 to win Peter Fulton took advantage of Andy McKay's absence to post an 80 ball century before half centuries from Shannan Stewart and Tom Latham saw the home side through to a 6 wicket win near the end of the day.

Peter Fulton has been among the runs of late, any chance of a national return?

msp83 wrote:Peter Fulton has been among the runs of late, any chance of a national return?

I read an article yesterday where he commented that he hoped they were watching.

There's a handful of ex-test players scoring runs domestically - Fulton, Papps, Ryder, Brownlie. Hopefully the chumps currently in SL pay attention and shape up.

Brownlie was discared well to soon IMO.

Not sure, CF. In my view he demonstrated in his short Test career that he had good mental strength and fighting qualities, but ultimately wasn't a Test quality player. A lot of parallels with Brendan Nash (who is slightly better than Brownlie).

Shelsey93 wrote:Not sure, CF. In my view he demonstrated in his short Test career that he had good mental strength and fighting qualities, but ultimately wasn't a Test quality player. A lot of parallels with Brendan Nash (who is slightly better than Brownlie).

Brownlie learnt his game in Australia, and plays well off the back foot on bouncy pitches. Which means he does ok in Australia or SA, but otherwise ...

Another round of the Plunket Shield got underway overnight with Auckland hosting Wellington and Central Districts hosting Otago.

Otago's decision to put their hosts in looked to have paid dividends at 31/3, 70/4 and even 147/6. However Carl Cachopa eventually found an ally in Tarun Nethula and the pair added a century stand for the 7th wicket before Cachopa fell for 123. Adam Milne joined his NZ teammate and helped him add another 98 runs by stumps, Nethula finished the day 87 not out, his highest first class score.

Auckland also sent their opponents in on winning the toss, and managed to bowl Wellington out just before stumps. The visitors did manage to score 380 runs in the day at 4 an over however thanks to a run-a-ball 127 from Luke Ronchi and 72 off 66 from Jessie Ryder. Chris Woakes also added 47 from number 8. Auckland resume tonight on 0/0.

Auckland batted well on day 2 to finish 381/5, banking first innings points. After a succession of 30s-40s from the top 4 (which included 2 ex-NZ wicketkeepers in Reece Young and Gareth Hopkins, Colin Munro (126no) and Craig Cachopa (74no - another wicket keeper!) have so far added 210 for the 6th wicket.

In the other match Central Districts got through to 476 all out on the back of Tarun Nethula's maiden first class century and 97 from Adam Milne. In reply Otago will be battling to avoid the follow on on day 3 after collapsing to 232/9, Adam Milne adding 5-44 to his earlier batting exploits. English import Peter Trego picked up 3 wickets as well. Sam Wells top scored for the visitors with 78, while Ian Butler was unbeaten on 53, having shepherded the tail pretty well at the end of the day.

Colin Munro (269no) and Craig Cachopa (166 - he only moved to Auckland as a replacement for the retired Daryl Tuffey when denied a Wellington contract) went to town on the Wellington bowlers overnight, adding 377 for the 6th wicket as Auckland posted 658/9 declared, the 9th highest innings score in NZ 1st class history. Mark Gillespie picked up all 4 wickets to fall on the day, finishing with 4-166 from 40 overs. Wellington finished the day 145/2, 133 runs in arrears going into the final day

Ian Butler added another 20 runs in the morning to finish 73 not out when #11 Soper finally fell for a 60-ball duck. Otago's 257 was well short follow-on however. Their second innings got underway better with openers Rutherford and Redmond adding 120 for the 1st wicket before both fell 4 balls apart to start the collapse, and the side crumbled to 237/8, meaning they lead by just 18 going into the final day.

Central were 14 points ahead of Otago on the table before the match, so their likely win here will all but guarantee them home seeding for the final

Otago only added 2 more runs to their overnight score, and CD's openers knocked off the 21 to win.

Wellington were saved by the rain at Eden Park Outer Oval, no play on day 4 meant the game ended a draw.

If Jessee Ryder could slot back into that NZ middle order along with Guptill and McCullum at the top and Williamson and Taylor in the middle order, they should really be able to put together a good batting lineup with Franklin, a decent wicketkeeper bat and Vetori adding lower order strength.

msp83 wrote:If Jessee Ryder could slot back into that NZ middle order along with Guptill and McCullum at the top and Williamson and Taylor in the middle order, they should really be able to put together a good batting lineup with Franklin, a decent wicketkeeper bat and Vetori adding lower order strength.

Franklin's apparently only scored 1 50 in his last 19 tests - on that basis he's not good enough to bat in the top 6.

I'd go with an XI of
Guptill
McCullum
Williamson
Taylor
Ryder
Watling (wk)
Vettori (if fit - otherwise I'd look at including Peter Fulton or Carl Cachopa)
Bracewell/Patel/Astle/AN Other-Spinner-if-we-can-find-one
Southee
Milne (Martin's turned 36 so can't have long left)
Boult