The rise and rise of Brent Hefford continued at McLean Park, Napier today. Two months ago the 22-year-old fast-medium bowler from Marlborough was on the fringes of the Central Districts squad. Now he is on the fast track to international honours.

Hefford came into the side almost by default, with injuries and international call-ups depleting Central's bowling resources. He played a decisive part in the closing stages of his team's victorious Shell Cup campaign, taking the Player of the Finals award.

Today he showed that he can perform just as proficiently in the first-class game, with figures of 24-5-50-5. There is no secret to his method. From an economical run up and efficient action he maintains good control, obtains movement and sometimes gets extra bounce from just short of a length.

He gives batsmen few scoring opportunities, so they are inclined to make mistakes when one comes along. Northern's top scorers Mark Bailey (47) and Hamish Marshall (41) both fell to Hefford in this way today.

Northern were bowled out for 216 in their first innings.

Overcast conditions facilitated movement through the air and there was variable bounce from the pitch, but the total was at least a hundred short of what might have been expected when Northern skipper Robbie Hart won the toss and chose to bat.

Michael Parlane was the unluckiest of the Northern batsmen. He got the only ball all day that lifted viciously off a length, giving a catch to gully off Andrew Schwass for 25.

Grant Bradburn celebrated a Northern record-equalling 104th first-class appearance by being bowled for a duck, playing back to a ball from Hefford that kept low. Bradburn, Matthew Hart and James Marshall contributed one between them, a poor return from half of the top order.

The best batting of the day came from Bailey, who hit six fours and timed the ball sweetly, though he survived three strong lbw appeals by Schwass.

Hamish Marshall swept leg-spinner Tim Anderson effectively and put on 48 for the sixth wicket with Joseph Yovich before cutting a short ball from Hefford low to Jamie How at point.

Yovich, Graeme Aldridge and Bruce Martin all showed what could be achieved with application. Yovich scored 31 in 112 deliveries before Aldridge and Martin put on 34 for the last wicket.

Schwass, who used the overcast conditions well, and Sulzberger both supported Hefford effectively, taking two wickets each.

Central's openers, David Kelly and How, survived seven overs at the end of the day with the help of the floodlights, switched on at the request of the umpires as the gloom set in. Central's score at the close was 20 without loss, 196 behind Northern.

Central could and should build a decisive lead tomorrow, but they will have to improve upon recent form to do so.

© CricInfo