Cricket: Henry dominates Stags with bat and ball

Matt Henry enjoyed a red-letter day for Canterbury. Photo / Nick Reed

The best all-round day of Matt Henry's career left Canterbury closing in on victory in their Plunket Shield clash with Central Districts yesterday.

The 24-year-old starred with both bat and ball as Canterbury dug themselves out a hole to enjoy a dominant third day at Mainpower Oval in Rangiora.

Henry's abundant abilities with the ball were never in question but, in 25 first-class appearances, he had shown only the occasional flourish with the bat.

That all changed yesterday as Henry helped his side edge towards their second victory from the opening three rounds. Central Districts will resume today on 100-5, still 286 runs short of a target inflated by the way Henry wielded the willow.

After resuming their second innings on 32-2, holding an overall lead of 107, Canterbury slumped to 64-4 as Adam Milne (4-31) tore through the top order.

Ken McClure (46) and Todd Astle (45) showed some resistance but the innings really came alive when Henry strode to the crease with the hosts on 179-7.

The Black Cap proceeded to plunder an unbeaten 75 from 52 balls, smacking 12 fours and two sixes to set a new high score and register the second half century of his professional career.

And once he was left stranded short of a possible century as Canterbury were dismissed for 310, Henry headed to the bowling crease and took 3-22 to leave Central Districts with a real fight on their hands on the fourth day.

Leaders Auckland will also face a final day battle to maintain their perfect record, with Northern Districts holding a lead of 256 runs and possessing four wickets in hand heading into today.

The hosts crumbled from 312-4 to 380 all out at Eden Park Outer Oval as the Knights bowlers, led by Scott Kuggeleijn (4-108) and James Baker (3-86), dispatched the lower order with few difficulties.

Northern Districts held a one-run lead at the halfway mark before Bharat Popli (68) and Corey Anderson (83) combined to grow that slight advantage.

The first innings centurion and the returning Black Cap shared a 125-run partnership for the fourth wicket to position the visitors nicely despite the menace of Mitchell McClenaghan (4-56).

At the Basin Reserve, an unbroken 223-run stand between openers Michael Papps (125) and Luke Woodcock (91) put Wellington in complete control against Otago. The home side will resume holding a lead of 272, with a declaration from Papps appearing imminent.