Spearman sets the pace and Douglas caps it off

Central Districts eyes must have lit up after winning the toss at Molyneux Park in Alexandra, and captain Craig Spearman wasted no time celebrating against Otago.

Central Districts amassed 359 on day one and Spearman started a day of attacking batting when scoring 78, with his 50 off 38 balls.

A century seemed inevitable but it was not to be and that joyous achievement for a batsman was left to Mark Douglas, the left handed veteran who played a real gem for 134 scored off 145 balls and including 21 fours.

It's hard to find the adjectives for Douglas but its certain that of his nine first-class centuries to date this must rank right at the top.

Ben Smith also looked extremely good for his 74 and has been of immense value to Central Districts this season. Bevan Griggs the wicket-keeper for this game scored a handy 22 towards the end of the innings.

The Otago bowling attack kept to their task on a very hot day (it reached 40 degrees in Alexandra) and Warren McSkimming with three for 42 coming back from a month's lay off with a groin strain. Off spinner Paul Wiseman took four for 102, David Sewell two for 58 and Craig Pryor one for 60 were the successful wicket takers.

Otago with fifteen overs until stumps batted with sensibility and were 21/0 at the close of play.

Tomorrow should see another day of runs aplenty as batsmen with the class of Matthew Horne, Mark Richardson, and their Otago team-mates attempt to overhaul the Central Districts total of 359.