Bevan Griggs has become something of a match-saver in recent times for Central Districts and he produced the goods again to give his side a winning advantage in their opening State Shield match with Canterbury in Nelson today.

He scored his maiden first-class century against India for CD earlier in the season and today his maiden Shield half-century, scored during a vital 103-run partnership with fellow wicket-keeper Ian Sandbrook gave CD the winning impetus in their match.

CD were in dire straits in their innings at 85/5, a disappointing situation given they had chosen to bat first, but the glovemen knuckled down and took their chances to help their side to 208/8 which, if not outstanding, was at least competitive.

Griggs scored 59 off 61 balls hitting seven fours while debutant Sandbrook took a more supportive role in scoring 57 off 104 balls with five fours and a six.

Earlier, Glen Sulzberger had done a good job in restoring order for his side with 29 runs off 62 balls which set the scene for the later recovery.

Canterbury must have been delighted to remove Craig Spearman, before he got into his stride, for one run while Jesse Ryder, making his debut, was out for five.

Stephen Cunis with three for 32 from his 10 overs and three for 34 to Ryan Burson off nine were the key performers for Canterbury although Chris Martin with one for 30 off eight overs and Carl Anderson with one for 34 provided outstanding support.

But needing a good start, Canterbury fell into the same hole as the CD top order and they were 13 for two with Paul Wiseman out for a duck and Michael Papps for 10 with only 13 runs on the board.

Shanan Stewart and Gary Stead attempted a recovery, but Stewart was out for 17 and followed soon after by Chris Harris for a duck which meant Canterbury were 36/4 and facing a huge task against CD's bowlers who were relishing the conditions.

Michael Mason suggested he had benefited from his time in the TelstraClear Black Caps camp by conceding only seven runs from the seven overs he bowled and he eventually finished with two for 14 from his 10.

Peter Fulton wasn't prepared to be dictated to however, and he joined with Anderson and Cunis to get Canterbury up to 169 before he was out for 64 scored off 87 balls.

He couldn't avoid the home town bowling of Andrew Schwass and was held at mid off by Brent Hefford who had to have two attempts to make the catch.

Cunis maintained the assault but the pressure was on and he was also a victim of Schwass halfway through the 48th over for 33 runs scored off 31 balls.

Schwass finished with three for 31 from his 10 overs while the contrast between CD's off-spinners was remarkable. Campbell Furlong took one for 20, that one being the vital wicket of Stead, while Sulzberger took none for 56 from 10 overs.

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