Cricket: Another Jones ton puts load on Otago

Wellington opener Richard Jones put Otago to the sword again yesterday in bringing up a splendid century on the opening day of their match at the Basin Reserve.

Otago must be sick of the sight of Jones.

In his last four innings against the southerners he has totalled 387 runs at an average of 96.25 through scores of 171, four and 86 last summer and yesterday's 126.

"Glenn Turner [Otago coach] said well batted, again, thanks," Jones said.

"I don't know why it is, but I've certainly had some success against them."

Some of Jones' hard work and that of youngster Luke Woodcock, who made 59, was undone in the final session when Wellington lost three wickets on 277 and ended the day on 301 for eight.

However, it looks a solid platform from which to press on, particularly given the pitch is drier than the norm at the Basin and later in the match may assist the home side's two-pronged spin attack of Jeetan Patel and Woodcock.

Jones' knock was one to savour, with his timing and placement magnificent.

It was achieved against a backdrop of a virtually deserted ground.

The flag flew at half mast to mark the recent passing of 80-year-old former umpire and curator of the national cricket museum, Stan Cowman.

Such was Jones' dominance that he threatened to raise his milestone before lunch.

But it came two overs after the break, when he hooked Shayne O'Connor to the fine-leg fence.

His sixth first-class hundred took 147 minutes and 118 balls, and included 18 fours.

Jones and Neal Parlane added 71 for the second wicket, but Parlane was very much the junior partner. After scoring six runs off his first eight balls, Parlane went scoreless for his final 65 balls.

Jones' dismissal triggered a minor collapse, with James Franklin and Grant Donaldson following in quick succession.

However, the recalled Woodcock arrested the slide with a three-hour innings, in which he hit 10 fours.

O'Connor was the most successful Otago bowler, taking four for 75 off 24 overs.

Jeff Wilson was left out of the Otago XI after suffering tightness in his calf during warm-ups.

- NZPA