Cricket: Rampant Penn puts Central Districts batsmen to sword

Former international Andrew Penn was at his destructive best to give Wellington the upper hand on the opening day of their match against Central Districts at Masterton yesterday.

Penn charged in for 19 overs to take six for 33 as Central Districts were shot out for 128 after choosing to bat.

Wellington rubbed it in by securing first-innings points when they reached 139 for four by the close of an opening day interrupted twice by rain.

Fast-medium bowler Penn stuck to his job unchanged for most of the morning session after striking first in the ninth over by dismissing Jamie How and Greg Todd off successive deliveries.

In his next over, Penn sent the off stump of Central Districts' premier batsman Craig Spearman cartwheeling out of the ground.

Showing no signs of tiring, he then accounted for Glen Sulzberger, Ross Taylor for 21 and Jesse Ryder for a belligerent 37.

Matthew Walker chimed in with a tidy two-wicket spell, while Iain O'Brien and James Franklin picked up one wicket each in a commanding all-round performance from the visitors.

Later, Richard Jones batted Wellington into a strong position by stroking a fine 81 not out, highlighted by some exquisite late cuts.

He was well assisted by Grant Donaldson's 23 not out.

Fast-medium bowler Michael Mason picked up two early leg-before-wicket decisions.

Penn later said the cloudy conditions were a big help.

He was not feeling the effects of his marathon 13-over opening spell, his longest this season.

"When you're in a good rhythm, like I was today, it doesn't take it out of you so much. And when you're taking wickets you want to keep bowling."

The former one-day international player said he wanted to play test cricket.

"I still feel I've got a lot of cricket left in me.

"I feel I'm just getting to my prime. If I can keep having good seasons, hopefully they'll have a look at me."

- NZPA