Cricket: Worker clocks up 210 for Stags

The pair took the hosts to 385 when Worker was caught for 210, his highest first-class score. Photo / Duncan Brown

A record Central Districts 10th-wicket partnership of 134 between George Worker and Andrew Mathieson dominated the second day of Plunket Shield's second round yesterday.

The pair came together at 251 for nine against Wellington in Nelson and took the hosts to 385 when Worker was caught for 210, his highest first-class score.

It eclipsed his previous best of 129 in the opening round against Otago at Napier.

The innings continued the form he built for New Zealand A with 210 runs at an average of 70 in four one-dayers against Sri Lanka A and will be in the selector's thinking after his international debut on the tour of Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Mathieson was 12 not out.

The partnership was the fifth highest for the last wicket in New Zealand domestic history.

The record of 184 was set by Roger Blunt and William Hawksworth for Otago against Canterbury at Christchurch in 1931/32.

CD's previous 10th-wicket best was 133 between Gary Bartlett and Ian Colquhoun against Auckland in 1959/60. Bartlett, one of New Zealand's fastest test bowlers, finished unbeaten on 99, his highest first-class score.

Wellington responded with 232-3 at stumps. Stephen Murdoch hit his ninth first-class century and was 108 not out.

Canterbury's 10th-wicket pair also excelled in Christchurch as part of 293 batting first against Otago.

No9 Logan van Beek made his highest first-class score, 111 not out, in a 104-run stand with Will Williams (21). Jack Hunter returned four for 47 from 24 overs. Otago were 5-0 in reply.

Only 28.4 overs were bowled at Mt Maunganui after 23 wickets fell on the opening day between Northern Districts and Auckland. The Knights advanced to 147-7, a lead of 173. Left-armer Donovan Grobbelaar grabbed three late wickets.

New Zealand A leg spinner Todd Astle starred with 4-55 from 20 overs to help dismiss Sri Lanka A for 303 on the first day at Lincoln. The hosts were 16-0 in response.