Ravindra and Conway take control At a glance

A pair of future Black Caps batsmen have piled on the runs to strengthen the table-topping Wellington Firebirds’ grip on the Plunket Shield.

Rachin Ravindra scored his maiden first-class hundred as he and Devon Conway, who becomes eligible to represent New Zealand in September, put on a secondwicket partnership of 175 to help the Firebirds to a commanding first-innings lead over the Auckland Aces.

The pair resumed at 125-1 yesterday and added a further 52 runs before Conway was caught behind, just six runs short of his century, off the bowling of leftarm spinner Louis Delport.

Seventeen more overs were recorded in the scorebook before Delport claimed his second and Wellington’s third wicket when Ravindra – who hit 11 fours in his patient knock of 101 – was caught at leg slip.

Ravindra, 20, a classy lefthanded opener who was unfazed by two rain breaks at Colin Maiden Park in Auckland, seems destined to be hunting around New Zealand’s test squad within the next 12 months or so after strong domestic form and representing New Zealand A.

The Firebirds, following on from the Aces 179 all out, moved through to 287-5 at stumps.

With just two rounds left after the top of the table clash, Wellington look odds-on to lift the Plunket Shield.

Scott Kuggeleijn’s 72 not out was critical for Northern Districts as they look likely to gain a first-innings lead at Seddon Park in Hamilton.

He resumed on 34 but moved through to a brisk 72 to help Northern to 294-9 declared after starting day two at 226-5.

Will Williams was the pick of the Canterbury bowlers with 4-52.

Canterbury battled their way through to be 219-7 at stumps – still trailing by 75 runs.

The Central Stags finally got their innings under way at Dunedin’s University Oval after rain ruined any chance of play against the Otago Volts on day one.

Stags captain Greg Hay stroked his way to a classy 83 before a ripping inswinger from Matthew Bacon sent him packing.

Brad Schmulian’s 68 was supported by Willem Ludick (47) and Doug Bracewell (40) to help the Stags reach 297 all out.

Otago reached 38-0 by stumps.