Otago Country has inched itself into a useful position in its Hawke Cup match with Canterbury Country in Rangiora.
At stumps on day one, the visiting side was 228 for seven.
Steve Hobson is poised on 93. He needs a further seven runs to bring up his maiden century for the region.
He batted for more than four and a-half hours to help rebuild the innings.
The visiting team was teetering at 62 for four but Hobson and co-captain Tim McCormick put on 109 for the fifth wicket.
McCormick was eventually trapped lbw for 52.
Former Black Cap Shanan Stewart starred for the home side with three for 24 from 10 overs.
The 37-year-old played 96 first-class games during a long career. He was not spotted that often at the bowling crease for Canterbury but did pick up 28 first-class wickets to go with his 5693 runs.
