BRIDGETOWN (Barbados), June 23: A stubborn 31 by nightwatchman Daryl Tuffey helped put New Zealand in a commanding position at lunch on the third day of the first Test against the West Indies on Sunday’s.

Tuffey’s personal Test best helped New Zealand reach 69 for four at the interval, a lead of 299.

Stubborn batting frustrated pacemen Pedro Collins and Darren Powell and his 144-minute innings included a fine pull for six from Powell, one ball after surviving an appeal for a catch.

West Indies captain Carl Hooper only got rid of Tuffey with the last ball before lunch, Chris Gayle taking a catch at slip.

On Saturday, New Zealand took control moving 234 runs ahead with nine second-innings wickets in hand by the close of the second day.

Slow left-armer Daniel Vettori claimed four for 27 as West Indies were dismissed for a meagre 107 in 42.1 overs in their first innings reply.

Only three West Indies batsmen — opener Wavell Hinds with 11, Brian Lara with 28 and Shivnarine Chanderpaul with 35 not out — reached double figures as the New Zealand bowlers dominated on a variable pitch.

But New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming decided not to enforce the follow on and the tourists lost the wicket of Mark Richardson, caught for a duck by Lara off the pace bowling of Pedro Collins, to reach the close on four for one.