Cricket: Wells' ton rescues shaky Wellington

NEW PLYMOUTH - A century from Jason Wells put Wellington in a solid position after the first day of their Shell Trophy cricket match against Central Districts at Pukekura Park yesterday.

Batting at No 3, Wells took advantage of a flat pitch to score a chanceless 107, his fourth first-class century and his second of the season.

Wells was at the crease for almost five hours and struck 12 fours as Wellington progressed to 282 for five.

Wellington won the toss and elected to bat but found early trouble, losing openers Grant Donaldson and Matthew Bell with only 17 runs on the board.

Wells and Selwyn Blackmore steadied the innings, putting on 186 for the third wicket before Blackmore was bowled for 88.

Wells carried on to make his century soon after the tea break.

It took a splendid diving catch from Jacob Oram at backward point to bring about his dismissal.

Wellington lost three wickets in the last session, which Wells said had left the game at an interesting stage.

He was rapt with his effort, but said the onus was now on the lower order to get Wellington through to a good total.

"It's pretty evenly poised now," he said.

"If we'd been two or three wickets down we'd have been sweet, but at five down it's pretty even. I'd think CD would be pretty pleased.

"It all depends on how we bat on tomorrow.

"The first hour will decide whether it's been a good day today or not."

Not surprisingly, Wells was impressed with the Pukekura Park pitch.

"It did a bit early on, but only really for the first hour, then it's turned a bit since.

"It's a nice wicket and a great ground to play at.

"It's turning a lot for a first day wicket and I would assume it would keep on turning."

- NZPA