Rugby: Wells hundred is a tonic for Wellington

WELLINGTON - Jason Wells' gritty third first-class century yesterday helped Wellington restore some credibility to their otherwise forgettable cricketing summer.

Wells' unbeaten 112 had Canterbury on the ropes after the opening day of the third-round Shell Trophy match at the Basin Reserve, with Wellington set to resume today at a commanding 287 for three.

However, while Wellington enjoyed one of their best days of the season, they will be wary of not allowing a golden opportunity slip after losing their first two matches.

Wellington must look to push on to a 450-plus total and attempt to shut Canterbury out of the bottom-of-the-table clash on a pitch that looks full of runs.

Wells, aged 29, resumes today with talented left-handed teenager James Franklin, who was unbeaten on 17 overnight.

Another Wellington teenager, offspinner Jeetan Patel, is likely to be a key man when Canterbury bat on a pitch which held few gremlins for the batsmen yesterday.

- NZPA