Michael Papps' maiden first-class century guided Canterbury to a dominant position against Otago at the Village Green in Christchurch today.

The home side was 71 ahead at stumps on day two, having been bowled out for 315 today after resuming at 59/3.

Where Canterbury might have collapsed, judging by performances in recent years, the patience of Papps, who made 158 not out, and flair of Chris Harris (70) was rewarded with what could be a decisive first innings lead of 101. The overnight pair put on 127 for the fourth wicket.

"Last year I was quite often getting out between 20 and 40 and that was pretty disappointing, but it's something I've been working hard on," said Papps.

"Especially last year my concentration wasn't as good as it could have been," said the right-hander. "I was working on trying to hit down the ground as much as I can and not playing across it too much."

A new upbeat attitude under coach Michael Sharpe has seen a number of players begin to reach their potential.

"The boys have really got a plan in mind and all have targets that we're working towards, so there's a really positive atmosphere in the team. It's been really good so far," Papps told CricInfo.

Aaron Redmond's century at Rangiora, and Wade Cornelius' 7-53 in the same game are examples of good players making the impression they are capable of. Warren Wisneski's 5-74 here at the Village Green is another case of a Canterbury player regaining form after being in the doldrums.

A break last winter after touring England with New Zealand A in 2000 and being part of the Academy in 1999 has left Papps rejuvenated.

"I had a break and freshened up and I came back feeling fairly positive," said the young batsman.

Four fifties and a century for his club side East Shirley, as well as a fifty at Rangiora, when he was unlucky to be given out lbw have also helped.

Today Papps was the man to prosper, with his only false shot a streaky four through the slips to bring up his century in 250 balls. Papps felt former Canterbury colleague Craig Cumming got a hand to the ball.

Papps' previous best was 84 against Otago at Village Green in February 2000.

In making the highest Championship score this season, Papps hit 16 boundaries, mixing onside clips and straight drives with watchful defence in his seven and a half-hour knock.

Now batting in his preferred position at No 3, Papps still plays as wicket-keeper at club level, saying "I'll keep doing that to keep a bit a pressure on Hoppy (Gareth Hopkins), to keep him honest."

"We're going to hopefully bowl them out for as few as possible and chase whatever they set. It's a pretty good batting wicket, but we've got to try and deny them runs and keep taking wickets. It's a big day tomorrow," he said.

Papps has been a member of a winning Canterbury team at first-class level, in his second game, which was against Northern Districts in 1998/99. They haven't won since, but will have a great opportunity to drive home their advantage tomorrow.

But a word of warning came from the inspirational new coach Sharpe. "There's a long way to go," he said wryly.

© CricInfo