In-form Bowes hits classy century

Canterbury opener Chad Bowes struck his second first-class century in three innings to put his side in a dominant position at stumps on day two of their Plunket Shield match against Otago.

Bowes’ 137 powered the competition leaders to 340-6 at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval yesterday, an overall lead of 200 after the visitors were earlier rolled for just 140.

Bowes’ fourth first-class century was all class. His innings included 17 fours and three sixes and he was particularly harsh on Michael Rae, whose short barrage was dispatched with a flurry of upper-cuts over the backward point region.

There was also no case of the nervous 90s, as he danced down the wicket to spinner Anaru Kitchen and slammed him over long on to bring up triple figures.

Ken Mcclure chipped in with a handy 73 as Canterbury charged towards a score which could set them up for an innings victory over their southern neighbours.

Otago resumed t on 124-8 but could only add 16 more runs to their total. Canterbury captain Andy Ellis snared career-best first class figures of 6-35 after winning the toss and sending the Volts into bat on a pitch which had been covered for a few days due to rain.

Central Districts batsman Will Young also reached triple figures to help his team reach 318-7 against Wellington at Napier’s Mclean Park.

After knocking over the Firebirds for 245, Young’s 124 ensured the winless Stags conjured up a 73-run first innings lead with three wickets up their sleeves.

Young got good support from former Black Cap master blaster Jesse Ryder, who struck a subdued 61, while Dane Cleaver chipped in with 47.

In Auckland, Northern Districts made a strong start in response to the Aces’ mammoth first innings score of 461.

Led by Corey Anderson (76 not out) and Henry Cooper (73 not out), the visitors reached stumps on day two on 212-2.