Cricket: Jones' ton puts CD on ropes

An outstanding century from Wellington batsman Richard Jones, and the loss of five quick second innings wickets had Central Districts on the ropes in their four-day State Championship match in Masterton yesterday.

With two days left, CD are still 90 runs behind Wellington's first innings score, and will need a herculean effort to take the game into a fourth day.

CD were dealt an early blow when left-arm pace bowler Lance Hamilton hobbled off with a hamstring strain in his first over.

With Brent Hefford 12th man, that left CD with just Michael Mason and Andrew Schwass as the frontline pace bowlers.

Wellington opener Jones, 81 overnight, took up where he left off. He cut, drove and hooked, before unleashing a late cut to take him to his century.

Jones shared a partnership of 136 for the fifth wicket with Grant Donaldson, who made 57. Former international offspinner Glen Sulzberger finally had Jones caught behind for 128 with a faster ball that skidded on.

Jones was understated about his century, labelling it "all right" and "a bit scratchy", but was happy with his performance.

"Obviously you're always pleased getting a century. You don't get them every day."

With CD down a bowler, Sulzberger shouldered the burden, sending down 24 tidy overs and deservedly picking up four wickets. Mason and Schwass took three each as Wellington was finally bowled out for 305, a first innings lead of 177.

Matthew Walker then took three wickets for Wellington, getting good movement away from the righthanders.

* The second day of Northern Districts' home game against Canterbury in Hamilton was washed out without a ball bowled yesterday.

Play will start today with Northern on 142 for five in their first innings.

- NZPA