Adrian Seconi

The Otago Nuggets have a new rival - the Southland Sharks - and Basketball Otago chief executive Mark Rogers could not be happier about it.

Otago was overwhelmed by Central Districts in the play-off for third at the national under-19 championships staged in Auckland during the past week.

The Otago Nuggets have a friend in a high place. The very top, in fact.

If Neil Broom could bat in the top three he might have played a test by now.

Former Otago United coach Terry Phelan has been appointed football development manager for Footballsouth.

New Otago coach Deb Tasi-Cordtz learned her trade from the best and is ready for the big stage.

If genes count for anything, then a star has been born.

In a battle of the nations, Pakistan bowling all-rounder Yasir Arafat will beef up Otago's ranks while England batsman Ravi Bopara will add steel to Auckland's top order when the sides meet in a one-dayer at Colin Maiden Park today.

It is high time Neil Broom was promoted to the test team, Volts coach Mike Hesson says.

The Highlanders should be just that little more evasive once their crash course in grappling is over.

All Neil Broom wants before Christmas is a third century.

Auckland opener Jeet Raval was set for a sleepless night last evening.

It was the stuff of schoolboy dreams.

Moments after New Zealand was inserted by Pakistan on a traditionally seamer-friendly pitch at the University Oval the media tent erupted in pessimism.

Black Caps captain Daniel Vettori fell agonisingly short of a test century on the second day of the first cricket test against Pakistan at the University Oval.

A disciplined innings from New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Brendon McCullum helped his side fight back from a "dicey" position.