A maiden century for Tim McIntosh was the highlight of the day in the second Test between New Zealand and the West Indies.
New Zealand resumed on 145 for two at McLean Park in Napier chasing the West Indies total of 307 and a century partnership between McIntosh and Jesse Ryder set the platform from which the tailenders could build a lead as they surpassed the West Indies` first innings total.
New Zealand were eventually dismissed for 371 shortly after tea, a lead of 64 runs, and when bad light ended play early the tourists had reached 62 for two in reply with Sewnarine Chattergoon (25) and Ramnaresh Sarwan (one) the batsmen dismissed.
Edwards shines for Windies
West Indies had Fidel Edwards to thank for restricting the Black Caps` lead after the match looked as though it would get away from them following a lacklustre morning session.
McIntosh proud of first Test ton
But the right arm fast bowler claimed the key wickets of Ross Taylor and Ryder before lunch then wrapped up the tail to end with career-best figures of seven for 87.
Daren Powell and Jerome Taylor chipped in with the remaining three wickets.
McIntosh sparks Kiwi cause with composed ton
McIntosh started the day on 62 and after his circumspect fifty the previous day, the tall left-hander was far more expansive against what was a jaded West Indies attack in the first session.
He brought up his hundred with his sixth boundary of the day and 15th of the innings before the 29-year-old opener was eventually dismissed for 136 shortly after lunch when he was cleaned bowled by Taylor after facing 337 balls in his 455-minute stay at the crease.
McIntosh`s dismissal was the start of a fruitful period for the West Indies with Brendon McCullum and James Franklin departing in quick succession to leave the hosts 319 for seven.
Vettori shines with the bat
But captain Daniel Vettori (29) and Kyle Mills (18) plugged away to build the New Zealand lead before Edwards struck again.
The advantage disappeared as Chris Gayle (36 not out), Chattergoon (25) and Sarwan (one) cut the deficit to just two runs by the close.
The West Indies enjoyed good success at the start of the day when Edwards had Taylor caught behind off just the second ball of the day.
Watch images of day three from Napier
That brought Ryder to the crease and he set about the attack as he drove, cut and flicked his way to a third half-century in just his sixth Test.
At the other end, McIntosh showed his customary patience but punished every bad ball as he and Ryder frustrated the West Indies bowlers.
Two overs after Ryder had reached his fifty, McIntosh brought up his maiden Test ton.
In the very next over, Ryder brought up the century stand only to become Edwards` second victim of the day and fourth of the innings the following ball as he edged behind to Denesh Ramdin, his 68-ball 57 including eight fours.
McCullum`s short stay had a bit of everything. He struck a huge six off Powell and found the boundary twice more but was also dropped by Ramdin on 13.
Heated words light up the show
He then got involved in a spat with Powell, who took exception to the stocky wicketkeeper-batsmen walking down the crease as he bowled and he stopped and threw the ball down the pitch in anger.
The heated exchange lasted the whole of the over as Powell, who completely lost his composure, peppered the 27-year-old New Zealander with bouncers and more angry words.
The outburst appeared to affect McIntosh`s concentration as he was cleaned bowled by Taylor the very next over to leave New Zealand on 316 for five.
The mini collapse hurt
That sparked a mini collapse as McCullum (31) and James Franklin (0) followed in quick succession to have the hosts at 319 for seven and Vettori and Mills were left to carry the innings through to 354 for seven at tea.
But the pair soon departed after the interval with Edwards wrapping up the tail to complete an excellent performance with the ball.
The West Indies started the run-chase with great determination, rattling off the first 40 runs in around six overs.
But the introduction of spinners Jeetan Patel and Vettori worked to good effect with Chattergoon giving Ross Taylor a simple catch at first slip off Patel for 58 for one before Vettori got a leg before decision against Sarwan for the addition of just three runs after asking for a referral to third umpire Mark Benson.
