Date-stamped : 11 Feb97 - 02:17
7 January 1997

Hart Steers ND Into Shell Cup Semi-Final

WELLINGTON -- Wicketkeeper Robert Hart produced the innings of
his life to allow Northern Districts to scramble in to tomorrow's
Shell Cup cricket semi-finals.

Just when Northern's prospects looked in tatters at 188 for eight
in the 42nd over yesterday, chasing Wellington's 253 for five at
the Basin Reserve in Wellington, Hart breathtakingly took charge.
From 34 balls, the No. 9 batsman hit an unbeaten 52 as he and
Scott Styris propelled Northern to victory by two wickets, with
four balls remaining, in an unbroken partnership of 68 from 47
balls.

Before this season, Hart's highest cup score in 35 matches was
24.

In his last four innings, he has had scores of 56, 37, 26 not
out, and 52 not out. But none was more important than his latest
contribution.

It allowed Northern to finish fourth at the end of the
qualifying matches, and earn a place against third qualifier
Auckland at Eden Park tomorrow. With Northern finishing on 10
points, it vaulted over Central Districts.

Wellington's loss deprived it of the top qualifying spot, and the
advantage of a home semi-final against champion Canterbury.
Instead, it finished second and has to travel to Lancaster Park.

Northern's pursuit of Wellington's score, which was built around
Roger Twose's third Cup century, was a roller-coaster ride.

Internationals Bryan Young and Blair Pocock gave Northern a great
start with a first-wicket partnership of 97. They were not
separated until the 20th over, but the loss of Pocock (43), Young
(51), and Mark Bailey (2) in the space of 21 runs knocked much of
the stuffing out of the chase. Gavin Larsen and Mark Jefferson
then put the clamps on Northern's less experienced batsmen to the
stage where at 188 for eight, Wellington was cruising.

Unfortunately, it had bowled out by the time Hart was in full flight.


Source :: The Christchurch Press (http://www.press.co.nz)

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