Smith's slow start

It was not the best start of the batting campaign for Whanganui's Ben Smith in the Central Stags' Plunket Shield game with the Otago Volts at Saxton Oval in Nelson at the weekend.

Opening the batting for CD after Otago made 479-5 declared, opener Smith was dismissed for 3.

He was the top first class run scorer for the Stags last season and second overall nationally.

He was one of three victims to pace bowler Christi Viljoen, who played half a club season in Whanganui.

CD made 365-5 declared. The game continues today.

Meanwhile, the Wellington Blaze made it two from two with victory over the Central District Hinds in the second preseason game on Victoria Park's Tasman Tanning No1 ground on Sunday.

Similar to the day before, the Hinds were able to put more of their batters in for extra practice at the end of the official match.

Whanganui's Michelle Mitchell captained the Hinds, which included townmates Jessica Watkin and Lisa Grant.