Advantage still up for grabs in Alexandra

Neither Otago nor Canterbury could claim to have secured the advantage after the first play of their State Championship match at Molyneux Park in Alexandra today.

Otago, limped their way to 206 after being 66/4 and 121/6 at different stages of their innings while Canterbury at stumps were in the precarious position of 31/3.

When play began this morning in the 156th first-class contest between the two sides, a clear blue sky with a cool temperature greeted the players but by the time stumps were drawn a very hot day had been experienced.

Brendon McCullum, with a forceful 40, led the way for Otago with the first wicket not being lost until the total reached 60.

Runs were hard to come by for many periods of play but Craig Pryor with 46 fought hard and a patient 29 by No 9 Nathan Morland was all Otago had to look back on with any satisfaction.

Debutants Jordan Sheed and Scott Waide scored 14 and 12 respectively and gave us a small glimpse of future promise. Martyn Croy faced 76 balls for seven runs.

The Canterbury bowling was quite tight with Wade Cornelius impressing again with four for 36 from his 25.5 overs.

Paul Wiseman, in perhaps not his best season, with three for 22 from 13 also bowled well, while Chris Harris with two for 35 from 20 overs was most economical.

Warren Wisneski left the field with an injured foot having no success for 46 from 12.2 overs. Ryan Burson with one for 49 from 18 overs completed the Canterbury wicket takers.

Canterbury started their innings with only nine overs to bat until stumps and never found the exercise easy. They lost Shanan Stewart for one, Robbie Frew for 15 and nightwatchman Burson for three to be 31/3 at the close of play.

Bowling for Otago, David Sewell had good reward for his initial efforts with two for eight while Kerry Walsmley took the other wicket at a cost of 21 runs.

Day two looms as a most interesting one with Canterbury desperate to get first innings points but against an Otago side which seems to have the upper hand at the end of day one.