Close of play: Canterbury 415/9 declared (first innings), Wellington Firebirds 186/6 (second innings), a lead of 296

Bonus Points (completed): Firebirds 4 batting, Canterbury 2 bowling; Canterbury 3 batting, Firebirds 3 bowling

Scorecard

In a match fast becoming a first-class nuffie's dream, Tom Latham's double century and another Devon Conway milestone were the highlights of another high-scoring day at the Basin Reserve.

Having been 102 overnight, Latham rocked on through the third morning to reach 170* by lunch before bringing up his double in the middle session.

He'd lost four partners along the way, however, each had been inspired to string together a series of handy partnerships that took the visitors from 207/5 to 405/9 by the time leg-spinner Peter Younghusband finally trapped the opener on 224.

Having previously scored an unbeaten 264 for NZ A on the same turf, and a 261 for Canterbury, it was still well shy of Latham's career best.

Canterbury's last pair added a further 10 runs before the declaration, the Firebirds beginning their second dig with a lead of 110.

When Will Williams broke through at 70/1 with the wicket of Andrew Fletcher (31 off 32), all eyes turned to the batsman walking to the middle - first drop run machine Devon Conway - to see what he could do this time. Another cheeky century, perhaps? Too much to wish for?

By the time his half century arrived off just 70 balls, hopes were rising. At an aggregate of 386, he eased his way past the big names on the New Zealand individual record chart for the most runs in a single first-class match. Bert Sutcliffe's record had stood since 1952/53.

And then - with what would become just seven balls left in the day, Cole McConchie broke the spell. Compact Conway finally missed one, the appeal went up and the finger was raised: trapped on 66. A wicket maiden for the Canterbury captain.

Canterbury turned it into a double stroke of fortune as Andrew Hazeldine had Malcolm Nofal caught six balls later to have the Firebirds 186 for six at stumps.

Conway's rearrangement of the recordbooks wasn't the only notable piece of statchat at the Basin on the third afternoon, with Canterbury's BLACKCAPS leg-spinner Todd Astle also achieving a first - becoming the first man to achieve to 300 first-class wickets for Canterbury.

The two sides will return tomorrow for what promises to be an exciting final day of play.

Article added: Thursday 31 October 2019