A maiden first-class century by Jarrod Englefield on his native ground, but made not playing for the home side, but for his adopted team, Canterbury, was the highlight on the first day of the Shell Trophy match at Horton Park in Blenheim.

The former Central Districts who player moved south before last season, smashed the ever-persistent Central Districts bowlers to all corners of the park as he proceeded to score almost twice as many as his previous first-class best.

After reaching his maiden ton, Englefield went on until finally being dismissed after almost six-and-a-half hours at the crease, scoring 172 from 302 balls including 25 fours and three sixes.

He played some great shots, particularly through the off side, and hit leg spinner Tim Anderson for three big sixes out of the ground. The crowd at Horton Park, almost certainly the largest of the first class season, gave the former local lad a big hand as he left the field after being dismissed in the penultimate over of the day.

But it was not a day where the Englefield-led visitors dominated the home side, as the supporting cast could muster just 96 runs between them. Aaron Redmond's 26 was the second highest score, with only one other batsman managing to score more than 20.

But Canterbury, who finished the day being dismissed in the hundredth over for 268 after winning the toss and electing to bat first, failed to dominate the home side, as the supporting cast could muster just 96 runs between them. Aaron Redmond's 26 was the second highest score, with only one other batsman managing to score more than 20.

The Central bowlers once more toiled manfully, with late developer Andrew Schwass again proving what a valuable acquisition he is to their attack, taking 4-52 from 23 overs. Brent Hefford (3-73), Anderson (2-55) and Glen Sulzberger (1-17) were the other successful bowlers on a day that promised to be hot but never quite boiled the mercury.

Canterbury should have reached a much higher score but had to be content with their total, and to Englefield's in particular for even scoring anywhere near as many as 268. However, it probably won't be enough to base a serious challenge to find their first Trophy success in two seasons, on a very good Horton Park pitch, unless their bowlers can find a turn-around in form.

© CricInfo