Cricket: Shield games a wash-out

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A curve ball isn't exactly a term common in cricket but one has been thrown at Dargaville Shield teams, with the first day of the Mid Western and Whangarei North's two-dayer being washed out.

If a tied game is to come about, which is highly likely, the race to claim the Shield in its revamped style will tighten significantly.

With Whangarei North currently sitting top of the table, they will be favourites to win the Shield off Mid Western - who currently hold it through their affiliation with Maungakaramea.

However, in Saturday's other Shield match between Whangarei South and Rodney the weather also played a part in Kaipara.

Only 32 overs were managed which saw Whangarei South end the day on 69 for one, with Chamodh Peiris top scoring with 36 from 87 deliveries.

The only wicket to fall was that of Brad Kneebone who was run out by Findlay Buchanan for 31 off 101.

Peiris' innings was the only one to produce a boundary, picking up one four from his time at the crease.

The matches will continue this Saturday from 10.30am.

Northland Cricket Association coaches yesterday undertook a hands on session coaching blind cricketers as part of an initiative with the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation.