Wellington, March 21 NZPA - Northern Districts can't quite put their feet up but they are in a comfortable position midway through their Plunket Shield cricket match against Otago.

Otago resume on the third morning tomorrow at Cobham Oval in Whangarei on 165 for one in their first innings, still well short of the home side's effort of 465 for nine declared.

With two days remaining, Otago must make all the running, leaving skipper Craig Cumming to consider declaring well behind in the hope Northern Districts leave his side a gettable runchase.

For now, though, competition leaders Northern Districts are tantalisingly close to wrapping up the shield with one round remaining.

They are 12 points ahead of their nearest challengers Central Districts, who have conceded first innings points to Auckland, and have earned themselves some breathing space against Otago thanks to a third first-class century to Brad Wilson.

Resuming today on 87 with his team at 325 for six, Wilson duly reached the milestone before departing for 107, leaving the stage to Peter McGlashan, who advanced from his overnight 21 to 71 before being run out.

There were no terrors in the pitch, something the Otago batsmen appreciated as they make a strong start, with Cumming unbeaten on 90 at the close and within sight of his 18th first-class century.

Darren Broom was at the other end on 21, with the only wicket to fall being that of Shaun Haig for 42.