Devon Conway will sleep well tonight - having sizzled his way to a career best unbeaten 261 not out (298 balls) on day one of the second round of the 2019/20 Plunket Shield.
It was the classy first drop's third first-class double century in the space of four seasons, and completely turned the tables on Canterbury who had earlier made an excellent start of their own - captain Cole McConchie winning the toss and bowling at the Basin.
With quick Ed Nuttall and BLACKCAP Matt Henry (3-81) quickly relishing the opportunity, the injury-hit Wellington Firebirds were reeling at 20 for three - and Conway had lost a further partner by lunch, Will Williams trapping Tom Blundell cheaply to have the hosts 54 for four.
Economical Williams put in a solid day's work at the office alongside Henry yet, by stumps, the Firebirds would be sitting atop an ominous 415 for six, Conway still there after 92 overs, having unleashed his devastating cut shots since the fourth over of the day - and dropping some serious statchat along the way.
The full set of batting bonus points was already safely in the Firebirds' kit bag, with Conway dominant on the scorecard.
The 28-year-old South African Kiwi (who will qualify to play for New Zealand at the beginning of next season) hadn't done it all on his own.
Malcolm Nofal (45) and Peter Younghusband (36) played supporting roles as Conway picked up the pace through the afternoon, with 129-run and 173-run partnerships for the respective fifth and sixth wickets.
But this was a Conway show. Technically his 17th first-class century, third double, and cruising past his previous career-best unbeaten 205* from the 2016/17 South African season which he only narrowly missed bettering last summer. He raised his double ton with four and six off consecutive balls from Todd Astle.
Canterbury was left utterly ruing their few missed chances against him - he had been dropped off Henry, while a vociferous appeal by Will Williams was calmy disregarded by the judiciary.
Conway's first century of the day came off 138 balls and included 20 boundaries in just under three hours. His second ton took just 95 further balls, in less than two hours with a further 11 boundaries and three sixes.
Last summer's prolific NZC Domestic Player of the Year is in his stride already this season. And, turning on the goods just when his team had most sorely needed his contribution.
Highest first-class scores for Wellington Firebirds
316* Michael Papps v Auckland Aces at the Basin Reserve 2017/18
296 John R. Reid v ND at the Basin Reserve 1962/63
283 John R. Reid v Otago at the Basin Reserve 1951/52
265 Matthew Bell v Central Stags at Napier 2007/08
261* Devon Conway v Canterbury at the Basin Reserve today
Article added: Tuesday 29 October 2019
