Cricket: Donaldson says sorry mum after missing century

Wellington opening batsman Grant Donaldson felt more disappointed for his mum than himself yesterday after falling short of his maiden first-class cricket century against Central Districts.

Three-figures has proved an elusive target for Donaldson, with 10 half-centuries in 39 matches, but he could console himself in playing a match-winning hand in Wellington's eight-wicket win with a day to spare at the Basin Reserve.

Chasing 230 for victory, Donaldson and Matthew Bell put on 211 for the first wicket with Bell, who hit 112, completing his 12th century and Donaldson reaching 96, agonisingly short of his first.

"I didn't know how I would react when I got back to the changing room but I feel okay. The person I feel sorry for is my mum," Donaldson said.

"She would've been listening on the radio and she'll be disappointed. But at the end of the day we've won and I've played a big part in the victory."

Donaldson said it never crossed his mind that yesterday's innings was a two-finger salute to the Wellington selectors who overlooked him for a professional contract this summer.

His opportunity in this game only came about through regular opener Richard Jones being away with New Zealand in Pakistan.

"I just want to enjoy my cricket and do so without any pressure," he said.

"I was disappointed when I heard I hadn't got a contract but now I see it as an opportunity to get a job," said Donaldson, who has a degree in business studies.

Central started the day as slight favourites but after two days of ball dominating bat the Basin Reserve pitch flattened out and Bell and Donaldson took full advantage. They both hit 15 fours, with Donaldson playing some delightful drives through mid-off and Bell strong square of the wicket.

"We can't have too many complaints," said Central coach Mark Greatbatch. "Bell and Donaldson batted well and where we fell down in this match was not our bowling but our top-order batting."

Donaldson's success has created a headache for the Wellington selectors before next Friday's match against Canterbury.

Richard Jones and possibly Stephen Fleming will be available, meaning two of the squad's contracted players will be left out.

Greatbatch has stuck with the same 12 for Central's match against Northern Districts, starting in Gisborne on Sunday.

* Otago will start the fourth and final day of their game against Canterbury at Aorangi Park, Timaru on 185 for six, needing to reach 226 to avoid the follow on. Rain disrupted the day, allowing time for only a couple of hours play.

- NZPA