NAPIER, March 6: A fifth-wicket partnership of 151 between Mathew Sinclair and Jarrod Englefield halted South Africa's march through the Central Districts batting on the second day of the three-day tour match on Saturday.

Former Test player Sinclair, with a first class average of

55.6 from seven matches this season, was out for 99, caught and bowled by Nicky Boje.

Central Districts declared their first innings closed at 239 for six, in reply to South Africa's 286 for five declared on Friday, at the dismissal of Englefield for 77.

At the close South Africa were 95 for three in their second knock, with Herschelle Gibbs bowled by Michael Mason for 26 and Jacques Rudolph well caught at first slip by Sinclair for 31.

Five minutes before stumps Martin van Jaarsveld went leg before for 19.

The day began with Central 36 for two, but the fiery Andre Nel quickly removed overnight batsman Glen Sulzberger, caught Boje for two and the exciting prospect Ross Taylor for 12.

Sinclair and Englefield consolidated the innings, with Sinclair hitting a quiet 106-ball half-century. His 99 came off 187 deliveries with 15 boundaries and two sixes.

Nel was the pick of the South Africa bowlers, taking three for 45 off 19 penetrating overs.

The first test begins in Hamilton on Wednesday.

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