Cricket: Ton on home turf for Sulzberger

NEW PLYMOUTH - Central Districts cricketer Glen Sulzberger left Taranaki three years ago, but he still considers Pukekura Park his home ground.

So it was an appropriate homecoming when he raised his bat at the ground yesterday to celebrate his fifth first-class century, on the third day of the Shell Trophy match against Wellington.

"I love playing here. It's probably my favourite ground and it's always good to perform on my home park," Sulzberger said after scoring a career-high 159 as Central Districts earned first-innings points by compiling an impressive 468.

"My mum and dad were here and a few friends and it was good to cash in while I'm feeling like I'm in good nick."

Sulzberger resumed on his overnight score of 25 not out and carried on to 159, his second century of the season.

Unfortunately, most of Sulzberger's good work was undone by the Central Districts lower order, which folded in the last session when the final four wickets fell in the space of 10 minutes for two runs.

But the home side had earned a first-innings lead of 30, which Wellington will look to overhaul when they start their second innings this morning.

A result looks out of the question unless the two captains seek to contrive something out of nothing.

After Wellington had compiled 438 in their first innings, Central Districts resumed yesterday on 153 for three, with Sulzberger and Mark Douglas, who made 29, putting on 53 for the fourth wicket before Douglas departed.

Sulzberger and Jacob Oram then turned the game, sharing a stand of 163 to get their side within 67 runs of Wellington.

"We were really unsure of what we were trying to do this morning. Obviously the follow-on was the first target, but that partnership changed a few things," Sulzberger said.

"I felt like I was at a stage where I was having a bit of fun and dominating the bowling. I was keen to push on to 200, but it didn't eventuate.

"Their fielders were melting out there and the track was better for batting this season. It was good to cash in."

- NZPA