Smith takes long handle to Otago

Wanganui's Ben Smith was 244 runs better than his previous innings after leading the Devon Hotel Central Stags to first innings points following a record total against the SBS Bank Otago Volts in the Plunket Shield game at Napier last weekend.

Having made a duck in his first Wanganui club game in four seasons the previous Saturday, opener Smith made his third century and eventually his highest first class total, opening for the Stags at Nelson Park as they chased the Volts' 352.

Smith reached his century off 148 balls by lunchtime on Friday, combining with Will Young (62) for a 150-run second wicket partnership.

Having got to 132 when bad light stopped play, Smith just kept going on Saturday - in combination with George Worker (129) " for another massive stand of 234 as the Stags eventually amassed 650/8 declared.

It was reaching 200 which helped Smith push the team past the 600 barrier,

His magnificent 244 came off 368 balls after more than 8 hours at the crease, striking 29 boundaries and one six.

The Volts had reached 265/3 in reply when the umpires called time on the game.