Canterbury posted a competitive tally of 387 for seven in the opening day of the Plunket Shield match at the University Oval yesterday.
Otago spent the whole day in the field, and had some nice touches, but will need to limit Canterbury’s runs on day two.
Canterbury won the toss and elected to bat, but looked troubled when opener Rhys Mariu was taken early.
After stealing a four off Jacob Duffy’s previous delivery, Mariu pushed the ball into the hands of Jake Gibson, and Canterbury was 19 for one in the fifth over.
It was a great start for the home side and could have been cause for alarm bells for Canterbury until Chad Bowes provided the anchor role for his team.
He was joined by captain Cole McConchie at the crease.
Bowes took the lead in their partnership, which put on 155 runs for the second wicket.
He was on his way to what looked to be a big total before Otago broke the partnership. Bowes played a loose shot off a Gibson delivery and was caught by wicketkeeper Max Chu, departing for 118 off just 82 balls.
It was a much-needed breakthrough for Otago but Canterbury continued to go about its work.
McConchie (81) took over following Bowes’ departure before he was caught by Duffy in the 42nd over.
Leo Carter went soon after in the 45th after being bowled by Black Cap Glenn Phillips.
Mitchell Hay added good value for Canterbury through the middle.
He and Cam Fletcher (24) teamed for a partnership of 76 runs for the fifth wicket, until Fletcher scooped a Gibson ball to Duffy.
Hay (89) went on to add another 65-run partnership with Henry Shipley.
But Otago put a stop to his form when Hay smacked Jarrod McKay’s delivery to the safe hands of Dean Foxcroft.
The home side finished the day nicely, trapping Shipley lbw.
Travis Muller took two for 89 in his 19 overs and Gibson was economical, taking two for 33 in his 12 overs. Duffy also had two nice catches alongside his wicket.
Canterbury
C Bowes c Chu b Gibson 118
R Mariu c Gibson b Duffy 4
C McConchie c Duffy b Muller 81
L Carter b Phillips 18
M Hay c Foxcroft b McKay 89
C Fletcher c Duffy b Gibson 24
H Shipley lbw b Muller 28
I Sodhi not out 11
A McKenzie not out 6
Extras (2b, 3lb, 3w) 8
Total (for 7wkts, 96 overs) 387
Fall: 1-19, 2-174, 3-221, 4-227, 5-303, 6-368, 7-376.
Bowling: J Duffy 21 overs, 2 maidens, 97 runs, 1 wicket, T Muller 19-3-89-2, J McKay 12-1-64-1, M Rippon 4-0-34-0, J Gibson 12-1-33-2, G Phillips 28-5-65-1.
