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.
