Cricket: Title goes to the Aucklanders

By BOB PEARCE

Auckland retained the national four-day championship yesterday in the spirit that has carried them through the season, but with not quite the flourish they would have preferred.

In mid-afternoon they learned that Wellington had been beaten by Otago, removing the last threat to their State Championship title defence.

Many people expected the Aucklanders to abandon their chase for the tough target set for outright victory against Northern Districts at Eden Park.

But they opted for the can-do spirit and were beaten by only 16 runs in the gathering gloom.

Northern declared in the morning with nine wickets down when Matthew Hart reached 201 off 308 balls with 33 fours.

He had quickly lost partners when Nick Horsley was caught and bowled by Craig Pryor, and Gareth Irwin fell to a stunning slip catch by Mark Richardson. But last man Ian Butler stuck around in an unbroken 54-run partnership to see Hart to his double-century.

Pryor had a well-deserved five-wicket bag and Tama Canning increased his season's wicket total to 46, the championship's highest.

Auckland's target was 357 runs in a minimum of 83 overs - a scoring rate well above anything previously achieved in the game.

Richardson and Tim McIntosh gave their team a good start and when McIntosh fell to a diving catch by substitute fielder David Kelly at mid-wicket, Auckland had reached 118 at a good clip.

Matt Horne did not last long, but Rob Nicol and Richardson added 100 in 86 minutes before Nicol fell to another stunning catch, this time by Mark Orchard at extra-cover for 56.

Richardson, who showed the form that has made him a New Zealand opener, totalled 113 with 12 fours and a six - at last the big innings which had eluded him all season.

Auckland needed 102 in the last hour, and with Canning in punishing form with 42 from 33 balls, they looked likely. But he was caught and bowled by Bruce Martin and the chase gradually foundered.

Auckland coach Mark O'Donnell, in his first season, believed the team succeeded because everyone contributed, while key players took an extra load.

It was significant that Canning was the country's most successful bowler and McIntosh topped the national batting aggregates with 820 runs at an average of over 58.

"I think we've worked well with what we've got," O'Donnell said.

"We missed our international bowlers and this put a serious workload on Canning, Heath Davis and Pryor. Our strength was probably in our batting.

"Canning is a seriously talented cricketer. This year he accepted more responsibility and was a lot more consistent and all credit to him. There was a gap at four in the batting and he stepped up to that.

"There was a gap in our bowling with Kyle Mills away and he took over that role.

"Everyone played a part."

O'Donnell said the spirit of the team had been great.

"Our internationals arrived back at 4am and all three of them were here during the day to offer their support."

O'Donnell and captain Brooke Walker had a special word for Aaron Barnes, who played his last game yesterday for Auckland before heading to Wales.

"Aaron has made an absolutely outstanding contribution since coming into the side," O'Donnell said.

"He's looked a real class act and he's enjoyed his cricket this year.

"Winning the championship is a very nice send-off for him."