While poor weather dominated two of the three Plunket Shield matches today, Canterbury wicketkeeper-batsman Reece Young made the most of the clear skies in Dunedin to register his eighth first-class century.
The discarded international, who was dropped during the summer in favour of BJ Watling, appears to have drifted down the pecking order of the national set up with Kruger van Wyk preferred recently in Watling's absence.
But Young reminded coach John Wright of his ability as he carved out an unbeaten 103 from 163 balls as Canterbury posted only 199 in their first innings, on day two of their rain-affected clash against Otago at the University Oval.
No other player managed to pass 23 while the 32-year-old Young stroked 12 fours and a six during his near four-hour knock.
Dean Brownlie managed only a six-ball duck in his return to cricket after a lay-off with a finger injury, while fellow New Zealand test-squad member Andrew Ellis mustered five from 17 balls before he was dismissed by Ian Butler who picked up 3-53 from 19 overs.
Otago paceman James McMillan was the best-performed of the bowlers as he snagged 4-51 from 17 overs, including six maidens.
Otago closed the day on 68-2 when bad light stopped play at around 6pm, with Hamish Rutherford at the crease on 29 and Neil Broom on six.
At Karori Park in Wellington, rain and bad light also affected play in the encounter between the men from the capital and Central Districts.
Wellington, who resumed on 437-6, advanced their score to 501-6 in the first session before they declared with skipper Grant Elliott unbeaten on 188.
It was a selfless gesture from the former New Zealand player who had a double century in his sights, but he chose to put the team above individual accomplishments.
Central batted for just nine balls before the rain came and an early lunch was called.
Play was officially called off for the day at 3.55pm with the visitors on 1-0 with openers Dean Robinson and Jamie How at the crease.
At least 105 overs are scheduled to be bowled on day three tomorrow, and CD will have to spend a significant amount of time in the middle to avoid being beaten.
In Auckland, no play was possible on day two of the clash between Northern Districts and Auckland, which would have been frustrating for recalled Black Cap Daniel Flynn who finished day one unbeaten on 68.
With the third test between New Zealand and South Africa due to get underway in Wellington on Friday, Flynn would have loved nothing more than to have the opportunity to bat for a long period at Colin Maiden Park.
Word out of the New Zealand camp has indicated that Flynn may open the batting against the Proteas' dangerous seam attack, and he could only benefit from spending more time in the middle against a strong Auckland bowling line-up.
Northern finished day one on Sunday with their score at 266-6 and they may declare overnight in a bid to move the game along heading in to day three tomorrow.
