Doherty’s well compiled knock anchored Cavs’ first innings total of 226, with contributions from opener John Warrington (37), Matt Corben (34) and Chris Martin (32) helping last year’s runners-up to the healthy total at Country Club Oval, although they lost 4-5 at the death.

Wiegold’s 4-54 from 12 overs was the key for Centrals, with the veteran nabbing two late wickets to help restrict Cavs.

In reply, Centrals recovered after losing opener Chris Hutchinson for a diamond duck when the score was on zero and sit at 1-43 with Dean Turner 29 not out.

Skipper Jake Pauletto said with the equation evenly poised at the end of day one his side’s bowling needs to be commended.

“To bowl them out for 226 is something the boys should all be proud of,” Pauletto said, himself taking 2-18.

That five-over spell included the key wickets of Doherty and Chris Martin.

“We fielded reasonably well,” Pauletto continued.

“And had good energy out there for the majority of the time, it’s an area which can always be improved on, however.

“Our bowlers did the job especially early on keeping it tight.”

Doherty said although happy to help contribute to a score in excess of 200, the total should have been bigger.

“We definitely bombed a big score,” Doherty said.

“Sitting six down, 220ish with 20 overs to go we were looking good until we lost four for 10, or close to it. 

“The game is definitely in the balance, Centrals are off to a flyer with plenty of power in the sheds.”

Pauletto reserved special mention for Wiegold’s four wickets, while Kennewell took the scalps of dangermen Richie Venner (seven) and Tom Aggett (eight) to finish with figures of 2-32.

“And other than our early hiccup our chase has started great,” Pauletto laughed.

Play resumes with Centrals needing 183 runs and Cavaliers nine wickets to secure first innings points.