A stellar unbeaten 168* from allrounder Christian Leopard was the highlight of CD A's first one-dayer against Northern Districts A in Taupo today.

Batting at first drop at Owen Delaney Park, he capitalised on a solid start from opening batsmen Ma'ara Ave (66) and Bayley Wiggins (68) before teaming up with fellow Stag Josh Clarkson (60, batting at four) for a damaging partnership.

Leopard underpinned a big total for CD A batting first as they set their hosts a daunting chase of 420.

Remarkably, it almost wasn't enough in a high-scoring match that produced a tight finish - ND getting close with 402 in reply.

Leopard built his innings progressively, turning over the strike with singles to get goingbefore belting four sixes and a boundary en route to his first half century.

He added a further two sixes and six boundaries to reach his ton, then let loose with another four sixes and four fours before hitting the 150 mark.

Clarkson brought up his half ton with one of his two sixes before being bowled by Freddie Walker, while fellow left-arm spinner Tim Pringle claimed 3-48 off his 10 for the hosts.

The sides met again on Wednesday 13 November with Ray Toole joining the CD A squad for the second fixture.

ND A V CD A

Owen Delaney Park, Taupo, 12 & 13 November 2019

GAME ONE

CD A 419/6, Bayley Wiggins 68, Christian Leopard 168*, Josh Clarkson 60; Tim Pringle 3-48 beat ND A 401 all out, Thorn Parkes 31, Anish Desai 43, C Swanson 76, Peter Bocock 59, Freddy Walker 62, J Brown 42; Jack Harris 1-57, Fraser Bartholomew 1-70, Ryan Watson 3-77, Jayden Lennox 2-57, Felix Murray 3-15

GAME TWO

ND A 320/9, C Swanson 65, Brett Hampton 30, Peter Bocock 27, Peter Drysdale 80*, Freddy Walker 42; Ray Toole 3-59, Ryan Watson 2-41, Akash Gill 2-23, Bayley Wiggins 4 catches beat CD A 290/9, Ma'ara Ave 107, Christian Leopard 96; Freddy Walker 3-53, J Brown 2-62

Article added: Tuesday 12 November 2019