Cricket: Fergus Hickey defence under pressure

Joe Carter and Peter Drysdale dug in yesterday afternoon to secure the loser's share of the points from a drawn two-day game against Northland.Photo/File.

Bay of Plenty have been thumped for first innings points by Northland in Whangarei, placing even greater strain on their Fergus Hickey defence.

Bowling first in humid conditions, the Bay were made to suffer in the field on Saturday as Northland's Brad Kneebone stroked a century.

The opening batsmen lived up to his billing before being run out by Bharat Popli for 124 from 269 deliveries, but by then the damage had been done.

His was the fifth wicket to fall, but with the score at 247 and the best part of 90 overs under the belts of the visiting fielders, Kneebone had done his job.

The score moved briskly to 335/8 and a declaration, which paid immediate dividends.

Openers Peter Drysdale and Tom MacRury were back in the hut for two and three respectively, before Joe Carter and Jono Boult joined them for 10 and a duck.

Brett Hampton was the sole batsman to show real intent in thrashing seven boundaries in his 36, but when he was removed the score was 85/5 and the Bay were in serious trouble.

Things only got worse from there as Ben Williams was the only other player to reach double figures.

The last six wickets fell for 38 runs, with the Bay bowled out cheaply and in quick time for 123 off just 43.3 overs.

Kurtley Watson reaped the most rewards for the home side, finishing with 4/24 from his nine overs.

Following on, the Bay were soon in trouble. MacRury lasted two deliveries for his one, before Drysdale and Carter set about stopping Northland from grabbing an outright win.

Drysdale was on 30 with Carter at the other end on 37 when the game was called off with the Bay at 77/1.