As the light dimmed over the Bert Sutcliffe Oval, the final stages of the New Zealand home season began with this draw between Central Districts and a New Zealand Selection XI.

This practice game for CD became something of a Test trial for Shayne O'Connor (match figures 6-32), Lou Vincent (93) and Jacob Oram (15, 31 and 1-28), in what has proved to be a useful undertaking by New Zealand Cricket.

Selection XI coach Ashley Ross told CricInfo that the teams "will have largely reached their objectives by tomorrow, with the bowlers having a good bowl and the batsmen all getting a bat."

"Sir Richard's been pleased that they have all been able to show some form," he continued about the match that has been played in excellent conditions and on a true pitch throughout.

Central scored 106/6 today in reply to the Selection XI's 269/6 declared. They thus finished 37 behind with four second innings wickets intact. The youthful CD team had to contend with an attack consisting of five bowlers with recent Test experience.

Missing Craig Spearman (holiday), Mark Douglas (work) and Mathew Sinclair (Test), CD coach Dipak Patel told CricInfo he was "disappointed" David Kelly, Glen Sulzberger and Jacob Oram had failed to make "decent scores on what is a good batting wicket." He hopes the one-day game tomorrow will "rectify" that one downside on what has been "overall a pretty good exercise."

However, with daylight saving beginning last weekend, the sunset on the horizon brought an early end to the day, and to the season here at the lovely ground named after the great Bert Sutcliffe.

© CricInfo