Wellington, March 13 NZPA - A maiden five-wicket bag by Ili Tugaga has helped Wellington snatch first innings points in their Plunket Shield four-day cricket match against Central Districts at Napier today.

But, seeking to overturn a run of four heavy defeats, Wellington were in danger of squandering their advantage after they were an unsatisfactory 78 for three at close of play.

Their task to post a big second innings score was made harder after skipper Matthew did not take up his customary opening position in the batting lineup after injuring a finger in his right hand while fielding.

Earlier, Central Districts, chasing Wellington's first innings of 250, were dismissed for 232 after resuming on none for 25.

Wellington wicketkeeper Chris Nevin shared the limelight with Tugaga as he took five catches, four to edges off Tugaga and the other off Michael Burns.

Central struggled to establish any meaningful partnerships as wickets fell regularly. Tugaga and Nevin got their combination going with the dismissal of Central skipper Jamie How for 26 in the 12th over.

Central knew they were in a struggle when Tugaga and Nevin ripped out Central's middle order of Mathew Sinclair, Tim Weston and Bevan Griggs in the space of 25 runs.

A 30 from Ewen Thompson and 22 more from Seth Rance helped to pad out Central's score.

Wellington's second innings began disastrously.

They were two for four after Stephen Murdoch, promoted because of Bell's injury, and Cameron Merchant went for ducks and were quickly followed by Michael Pollard who made just nine.

Wellington will be hoping for big scores from Neil Parlane and Luke Woodcock who resume tomorrow on 39 and 26 respectively.