Cricket: Wellington well placed thanks to Ronchi ton

Wellington's Luke Ronchi sweeps the ball during the match against Auckland yesterday at Eden Park. Photo / Greg Bowker

Luke Ronchi's century has put Wellington in a strong position on the first day of its four-day Plunket Shield match against Auckland yesterday.

Wicketkeeper Ronchi - who was born in Dannevirke, represented Australia after moving to Perth as a child and has returned to New Zealand - struck 127 after bringing up his century off 104 balls at Eden Park's outer oval.

His first 50 came off 42 deliveries and included 10 boundaries.

Wellington finished the day on 380 all out, with Jesse Ryder, batting at No 4, chipping in with a quick-fire 72 off 66 balls.

English allrounder Chris Woakes struck 47 and Harry Boam a patient 31.

Auckland's best bowler was left-arm quick Mitchell McClenaghan, who took 4-90 off 21 overs, including Ryder's wicket.

In reply, Auckland openers Tim McIntosh and Lou Vincent survived one Mark Gillespie over before stumps without troubling the scorers.

At McLean Park in Napier, Central finished the first day of their match against Otago on 367-7, Carl Cochopa stealing the limelight with a measured 123 off 210 deliveries. The South African-born allrounder, batting at No 3, hit 18 boundaries in his innings which lasted for just over five hours.

Tarun Nethula was the other major contributor for Central, hitting 87 and remaining at the crease unbeaten alongside Adam Milne (38) at stumps.

Jacob Duffy was the best of the bowlers for Otago, taking 2-61 off 20 overs.