Round 6 Ford Trophy: SBS Bank Otago Volts 146/5 in 31 overs (Redmond 61 not out, Rutherford 48, Bennett 2-22 off six) before weather forced abandonment versus Canterbury at University Oval, Dunedin
The SBS Bank Otago Volts and Canterbury were forced to share the points at Dunedin’s University Oval after niggly drizzle in cool, overcast conditions saw play called off after 31 overs... but not before a peppery contest between bat and ball.
Watch the video of the game:
After winning the toss, Canterbury captain Peter Fulton sent the hosts in and enjoyed immediate success after pace bowler Hamish Bennett skittled Sam Wells first ball of the innings after the ball struck him on the body and rolled onto the stumps.
Hamish Rutherford and Volts captain Aaron Redmond then built a hard-hitting 109-run stand for the second wicket that was broken just as Rutherford was on the cusp of a half-century, run out in a close decision.
Debate blossomed on the bank in the following over when Michael Bracewell was caught cheaply by Neil Broom in the deep, the batsmen unconvinced as to whether it had been taken inside the rope. However, there were no question marks when spinner Ronnie Hira bowled Derek de Boorder with just his fourth delivery, nor when Iain Robertson spooned a drive to Fulton immediately after having slapped Bennett for six.
It was at that point that the soft drizzle that had been milling about since the start of play saw the game paused. An early lunch was taken before the match was eventually abandoned with no further play possible, leaving Redmond unbeaten on 61.
Video scorecard
The result meant Canterbury clambered off the bottom rung of the points table to fifth, ahead of the Wellington Firebirds. Two rounds remain in the Ford Trophy regular competition, with all six teams in action this Sunday 18 January with Finals hosting rights at stake. The SBS Bank Otago Volts remain in Dunedin to lock horns with the Stags, the Mondiale Auckland Aces host the SKYCITY Northern Knights at Eden Park Outer Oval and Canterbury head to the Basin Reserve to face the Wellington Firebirds.
