CHANDIGARH, Oct 4: Skipper Rakesh Saini's splendid ton helped Ludhiana reach a strong position on the opening day of the two-day Punjab Inter-District Katoch Shield cricket match here today. Saini hit 108 and shared a 128-run fourth-wicket stand with Harbhajan Singh as Ludhiana rattled up 314 for 8 in the allotted 90 overs.Chandigarh's bowling was disappointing on a day when the Ludhiana strokeplayers took charge. Saini himself led from the front, hitting nine fours and two towering sixes. Once settled in, Saini was a picture of elegance, inspiring his teammates.His stand with Harbhajan was very crucial to the team's overall picture. Harbhajan hit four boundaries in his knock. All rounder Ankur Kakkar had earlier laid the basis with a fine knock of 75, inclusive of six well-timed fours.For Chandigarh, left-arm spinner Madan Lal salvaged some pride, scalping three wickets, albeit going for 90 runs.Scores: Ludhiana: 314 for 8 in 90 overs (Rakesh Saini 108, Ankur Kakkar 75, Harbhajan Singh 49; Madan Lal 3-90).Dharmani hits 191Patiala: Patiala piled up an imposing total of 397 against Amritsar on the first day of their Punjab Inter-District Katoch Shield cricket match here today. Pankaj Dharmani played a superb knock of 191 while Lakhbir Singh (70) and Sandeep Kohli (50) gave him solid support.Dharmani was in his elements today. Loose balls were harshly treated while the good ones, which were very less today anyway, were dispatched with equal power.Scores: Patiala: 397 (Pankaj Dharmani 191, Lakhbir Singh 70, Sandeep Kohli 50, Gaganinder Garry 36, Amit Kakria 25; Tejinder Singh 4-118, Sandeep Sawal 3-112).
