Cricket: Kelly gives Central Districts upper hand

Central Districts opening batsman David Kelly put his team into a commanding position against Canterbury at the end of the second day of their Shell Trophy cricket match at Horton Park, Blenheim yesterday.

The gritty right-hander batted throughout the day on a docile pitch to score an unbeaten 138 as Central Districts reached 385 for five in reply to Canterbury's first innings of 268, which they compiled on Saturday.

Kelly mixed patient defence with several beautifully struck cover drives and pulls.

He raised his century with a lofted on drive for six from part-time offspinner Jarrod Englefield.

Kelly's milestone came from 219 balls in 281 minutes, including 15 fours and a six.

He offered two chances, both to Englefield at slip, when on 15 and 106.

Kelly said watching Englefield's outstanding 172 on Saturday had inspired him to dig in and play straight on a pitch which gave the bowlers little encouragement.

"It was probably more satisfying to bat the time than the runs.

"It was a matter of me establishing the innings and letting the strokemakers bat around me, I suppose," Kelly said.

"The pitch is a belter and I looked at how Englefield batted yesterday. He looked to get forward and play straight."

Kelly had plenty of support from a batting lineup which gave the rather lacklustre Canterbury bowlers little respite.

After the early loss of skipper Craig Spearman for nought, fellow New Zealand representative Mathew Sinclair hit a cameo 29 at almost a run a ball.

English professional Ben Smith smashed 11 fours in making 59, then Glen Sulzberger and Mark Douglas kept up the momentum with quality half-centuries.

Allrounder Sulzberger made 72 and Douglas an entertaining 55.

- NZPA