Nelson made a solid start in its Hawke Cup challenge against Southland in Invercargill yesterday.
Nelson was sent in on the Queens Park pitch and made it through to 199 for four wickets before rain brought an end to the day's play after 80 overs.
Opening batsman David Zohrab was bowled for a duck but opening partner and twin brother Thomas Zohrab settled in for a long day at the crease.
Zohrab and captain Greg Hay put on a 134-run partnership before leg-spinner Jack Mockford put the brakes on an already slow run rate and took the prized wicket of Hay for 72.
Mockford then caught and bowled another Central Districts representative in Willem Ludick for seven.
Patrick Howes became Mockford's third scalp when his was trapped lbw for 16. Zohrab is unbeaten on 88 from 255 balls.
Southland coach Steve Jackson was content with his team's progress.
''A couple more wickets would have been nice, but we've limited their scoring. We haven't been chasing leather.''
Jackson said the first session today would be crucial.
''They've got a good platform and a good anchor there with Zohrab so we need early wickets.''
Mockford took three for 27 from 15 overs.
''Jack flighted it well and landed it in good areas. Really pleased with him, obviously.''
-By John Langford
