Otago's Mark Richardson set himself up for his return to Test cricket in 12 days time by scoring his 12th first class century but it wasn't enough to deny Central Districts first innings points in their Shell Trophy match at Alexandra's Molyneux Park today.

Richardson scored 166 but CD took the first innings points by 43 runs.

Otago began the day in quest of the Central Districts total of 359 with every prospect of getting it and passing it substantially.

Alas, for them the good batting conditions were only used by Richardson with the only real back up coming from Martyn Croy 42, Craig Cumming 41, and Craig Pryor 33 .

Richardson advised CricInfo that he felt very positive before his innings, especially with a big challenge against Pakistan coming up.

His three nineties in the preceding three games prayed on him a little and he was determined not to repeat that scenario. The pitch was very good to bat on and this undoubtably contributed to the the speed of this innings, scoring his runs in just 236 balls.

The Central Districts bowling was lead by Brent Hefford with a fine spell of 27 overs for four for 48. At one point he had bowled 6-2-11-3 and Andrew Schwass who kept niggling away with four for 85 from 22.1 overs.

Central Districts came out to bat in their second innings leading by 43 and extended this by stumps to 104 with nine wickets in hand.

Spearman on 30 not out is almost certainly a danger man for Otago tomorrow.

Having secured points for a first innings lead and to push their way up the Shell Trophy table it is assumed that a game will be made of this fixture and it will not be allowed to peter out by either side to a dull draw.

But, it takes two to tango and Otago also will have to play their part when the run chase begins for batting conditions are such that it seems unlikely that Central Districts will be bowled out cheaply.

© CricInfo