KEY POINTS:
Wellington batsman Neal Parlane took more than two days of frustration out on State Championship cricket rivals Auckland yesterday.
Parlane made a classy 92 not out as Wellington scored 167 for two in their first innings on an abbreviated third day of the match at the Basin Reserve in the capital.
After wet weather ruled out two days of play, the four-day fixture has been reduced to an academic exercise.
Wellington, who have already qualified to host the final against Canterbury starting next Monday, were asked to bat first when play was finally able to start at 2pm.
Parlane gained some useful batting practice ahead of next week's final by zeroing in on his eighth first-class century.
Openers Matthew Bell and Michael Parlane both missed out on an opportunity to occupy the crease after being dismissed for five and 20 respectively.
But Neal Parlane collaborated with international Grant Elliott to put on an unbroken stand of 144 for the third wicket.
He dominated the partnership, striking 13 boundaries in pleasant batting conditions, while Elliott contributed 45 not out, sprinkled with four fours.
- NZPA
