No 83: Blunt's undefeated triple century (1931)
Roger Blunt was simply one of the best batsmen to play for Otago.
The dashing right-hander got his start for Canterbury and forged an impressive record for the province during eight seasons. But he transferred to Otago in 1926 and enhanced his reputation with some stunning performances for his adopted team.
In 16 first-class games, Blunt scored 1510 runs at an average of 52.06, including four centuries.
Of all his wonderful innings, none was more spectacular than his fabulous undefeated 338 against Canterbury at Lancaster Park in December 1931.
Those lucky enough to see it were "to be envied", the Otago Daily Times reported.
"Though [Stewie] Dempster may be New Zealand's outstanding batsman at present time, New Zealand has produced no greater cricketer than Blunt".
The Christchurch Press was also impressed, describing the performance as "the innings of a brilliant cricket career.
"To say he played masterly cricket is but weak praise; it is doubtful if a finer display of all round batting has been seen in Christchurch before.
"He lifted two or three into the deep field when it was safe to do so, but otherwise his runs were made by cutting, cover drives and leg strokes. He repeatedly scored with the late cut off balls that many good batsman would leave alone. His driving all round the off side was magnificent, and his on side play was almost uncanny."
Blunt offered a simple catch on 127 and was caught off a no-ball. But they were his only mistakes and his tally remained the highest first-class total scored in New Zealand until Otago left-hander Bert Sutcliffe eclipsed the mark in 1949-50 with 355 against Auckland.
Of course, Blunt's remarkable innings would not have been nearly so amazing had Otago No 11 William Hawksworth not played such a fighting knock.
He held up his end, contributing 21 runs in a New Zealand record 10th-wicket stand of 184.