Jesse Ryder hit a run-a-ball century to put Wellington in
commanding position on the first day of their Plunket Shield
clash with Central Districts today.
Ryder has been in a rich vein of form with the bat since
returning from his self-imposed exile from cricket, and that
continued today as he finished the day unbeaten on 108 as
Wellington amassed 176-2.
After bowling out Central Districts for 260, Wellington now
stand a great chance of toppling the Plunket Shield leaders
and pulling themselves up from fifth position.
Wellington captain Stephen Murdoch won the toss and sent in
the Stags at Karori Park, a decision which paid dividends in
the fifth over when Mark Gillespie struck twice to reduce the
visitors to 23-2.
Several CD batsmen made starts but wickets continued to
tumble as Wellington threatened to bundle out the leaders in
rapid time.
However, 20-year-old Will Young stood firm for the Stags and
stroked his maiden first class century to ensure his side put
up a respectable total.
Young was the last man out for 121 as Wellington claimed all
four bowling bonus points, thanks to three wickets each from
Gillespie and Scott Kuggeleijn, giving themselves a good
change of amassing a first innings lead.
Ryder and Michael Papps (58no) made the most of that
opportunity and, by stumps, had put on an unbeaten 161-run
stand for the third wicket. Ryder was the main aggressor as
he smashed his 13th first class ton, hitting 10 fours and
four sixes.
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