Cricket: Cracking Cachopa century

Seems like there is always a Cachopa in the headlines lately.

Then again, there are three Cachopa brothers playing for three different associations, so the odds are pretty good.

Yesterday it was big brother Carl hogging the limelight.

The 26-year-old Central Districts all-rounder has been in red-hot form, cracking six first-class centuries since March.

His latest effort was a superb counterattacking innings of 123 against Otago at McLean Park, leading his side into the solid position of 367 for seven at stumps on day one.

Central had slumped to 31 for three, with Blair Soper and Jacob Duffy securing early breakthroughs after Volts captain Derek de Boorder elected to field.

Ian Butler chipped out another couple after the lunch break to leave Central teetering at 147 for six.

But Cachopa was in no mood to lie down. He combined in a damaging seventh-wicket stand with Tarun Nethula, who is closing in on his maiden first-class 100. He was undefeated on 87 at stumps.

The pair added 122 before Cachopa was undone when he edged a Duffy delivery to the keeper. His 100 came off 158 balls and featured 16 boundaries. It was his third century this season. He scored a fine unbeaten 179 against Auckland earlier this month and began the season with a 105 against Wellington.

His missed out against Northern Districts in Gisborne but has otherwise been in the form of his life. He has also picked up six wickets this season at an average of 15.33.

Younger brothers Brad (24) and Craig (20) play for Canterbury and Auckland respectively. Craig is playing in his fifth first-class game and averages just under 50. It is early days but he has shown plenty of promise. Brad (24) has had more success in one-day cricket and has a hundred to his name. Both represented New Zealand at under-19 level.

With Cachopa back in the shed, Nethula picked up the challenge and combined with Adam Milne (38 not out) in an equally damaging partnership. By stumps, they had added 98 from 129 deliveries.

Otago coach Vaughn Johnson was not particularly thrilled with his side's effort.

Butler and Soper bought up unwanted centuries at the bowling crease and Johnson said, on the whole, the bowling unit had performed poorly.

"We gave away far too many runs," Johnson said.

"I'm very disappointed with the way we bowled. When we had them three for 30-odd, I thought the decision to bowl first was justified on a wicket that did a bit. But then we just failed to hit a good line and length consistently enough.

"We leaked runs off-side, on-side and bowled far too short ... In terms of the score, we are not out of the game. But I don't want to see us bowl like that again."

At Eden Park, Wellington posted 380 against Auckland, with Luke Ronchi scoring 127 from 124 deliveries and Jesse Ryder thumping 72 from 66 balls.

Former internationals Lou Vincent and Tim McIntosh safely negotiated one over before stumps.