Cricket: Ronchi adds another century

Wellington wicketkeeper-batsman Luke Ronchi has ramped up his appeal to be included in the New Zealand side as he made his fourth hundred of the Plunket Shield season. Photo / Greg Bowker

Wellington wicketkeeper-batsman Luke Ronchi has ramped up his appeal to be included in the New Zealand side as he made his fourth hundred of the Plunket Shield season at the Basin Reserve today.

The Dannevirke-born stumper has qualified to represent New Zealand after serving his four-year stand-down period after playing for Australia in a handful of limited overs matches between 2008 and 2009.

Ronchi's unbeaten 120 put Wellington in a decent position against Auckland and gave another reminder to Black Caps coach Mike Hesson that he has been the form wicketkeeper on the domestic circuit this summer.

Ronchi's century came from only 93 balls and ensured that Wellington closed day two on 368-6 - 22 runs in front of Auckland with four first-innings wickets in hand.

Earlier in the day, Auckland were bowled out for 346 as Mark Gillespie (5-66) and Ili Tugaga (3-63) wrapped up the tail in quick time leaving Colin de Grandhomme stranded on 99.

At the Hagley Oval in Christchurch, the wickets continued to tumble in the match between Canterbury and Northern Districts.

The home side began their second innings to start the day and were shot out for 149, with Tom Latham top-scoring with 42, while Henry Nicholls (22) and Peter Fulton (18) were the only other players to make double figures.

The wickets were shared around the ND bowlers and Brent Arnel made it eight for the match as he claimed 3-38.

In need of 214 for victory, Northern Districts began cautiously but lost Daniel Flynn (three) and Kane Williamson (four) early on before Joseph Yovich (45) and Brad Wilson (40) steadied their run chase.

Black Cap BJ Watling finished the day unbeaten on 48, while former international James Marshall will join him at the crease tomorrow with 15 next to his name.

ND closed the day on 167-4 and need 47 runs to win and with two full days of cricket left to be played if required, Canterbury will either need some quick wickets tomorrow or plenty of rain to avoid defeat.