Collier saves day with fighting ton

CAPTAIN'S KNOCK: Handy off-spinner Henry Collier shone with the bat scoring 102 in the fourth innings to force a draw against Hawke Cup holders Manawatu at Tasman Tanning Park in Wanganui at the weekend. PHOTO/STUART MUNRO 291114WCSMCRICKET

Henry Collier vindicated his selection as captain for Active Physio Wanganui with his first century to save the day against defending Hawke Cup champions Manawatu at Tasman Tanning Park at the weekend.

The specialist batter, who is also a handy off-spin bowler, scored a fourth innings 102 when chasing 260 from 47 overs in the final dig to force a draw against Manawatu on Sunday.

After a promising first innings start that ultimately ended in a batting collapse, Wanganui looked on the ropes, but stumbled through until the final day looking for the draw.

While the draw came with Collier's century, it was a case of what might have been when Max Carroll looked unlucky to be run out on 22.

Dom Lock arrived at the crease and batted for over an hour to hold the fort and allow Collier to do the job he was selected for. Lock was 19 not out at the end of play.

Collier was named the match's Most Valuable Player.

Co-coach Rod Bannister said Collier was selected as captain with a brief to lead by example.

"And that's just what he did on Sunday. The guys can take pride in securing the draw against the Hawke Cup holders and Henry played his part," Bannister said yesterday.

"You've got to remember this team was always going to be a two-or-three-year work in progress. We have nine players under 22 and Henry is still only 19. The guys are starting to understand what we are trying to achieve with our batting and not play the hit and giggle stuff of T20 cricket.

"Our target now is to go out against Wairarapa and Horowhenua with wins in mind. Manawatu, Taranaki and Hawkes Bay are the big three, but we can go out with confidence of taking on Wairarapa and Horowhenua and winning."