Cricket: Stead Canterbury's best hope

Canterbury's chances of denying Central Districts an outright victory in their State Championship cricket match at New Plymouth's Pukekura Park appear to rest with veteran batsman Gary Stead.

Forced to follow-on yesterday after being dismissed for 245 in their first innings, Canterbury still need 97 more runs with six wickets in hand on the final day today to make Central bat again.

They had reached 158 for four in their second innings, with Stead unbeaten on 47.

Central posted an impressive 499 in their first innings.

Persistent drizzle washed out half of yesterday's play but not before Ewen Thompson scored his second first-class century of the season after being 98 not out on Friday.

The tall left-hander smashed his way to 126 off just 96 balls - and then set about knocking the top off Canterbury's batting order as they struggled on a pitch that looked ideal for stroke makers.

With Central missing Michael Mason, Lance Hamilton, Brent Hefford and Andrew Schwass from the bowling attack, they still bowled considerably better than the visitors.

The line and length employed by Thompson, Brendon Diamanti and newcomer Greg Hegglun would have had Canterbury coach Michael Sharpe wondering why his bowlers seemed so intent on delivering a barrage of short balls.

Sharpe must also be puzzled why some of his top order have struggled to score runs, with the exception of captain Peter Fulton and Stead.

Fulton scored an almost effortless 60 in his first innings yesterday and was just as impressive in the second, as he worked his way to 91 before skying a pull shot from Taranaki left-arm spinner Regan West.

West was given plenty of work throughout the day, bowling 32 overs and getting some turn.

He picked up two wickets in Canterbury's first innings, and Thompson and Diamanti each collected three.

Stead, however, looked mostly comfortable and he will be looking for more support from Canterbury's lower order to avoid defeat against a side they embarrassed so easily in the first round.

- NZPA