Smith has looked determnied throughout his long innings

South Africa moved into a 23-run lead after heading painfully slowly to 370-6 on day three of the second Test against West Indies in Trinidad.

Graeme Smith struck a dogged 148, his ninth Test century, before falling midway through the afternoon.

Herschelle Gibbs, Ashwell Prince and Mark Boucher then added just 103 runs between them off 62 overs as South Africa came to a virtual standstill.

Pace bowlers Pedro Collins and Dwayne Bravo took two wickets apiece.

On Saturday, West Indies had been bowled out for 347. And on Sunday, the first hour of play was lost to rain.

It's very difficult to score quickly on this wicket Graeme Smith More day three reaction

When the players did come out, Smith looked keen to reach three figures.

Nightwatchman Monde Zondeki also played an important hand and, once Smith had reached his century, the game settled down into a war of attrition.

Shiv Chanderpaul finally elected to take the second new ball and his decision was paid off when Collins swung a delivery to hit Zondeki's off-stump.

The wicket ended a partnership worth 41 in all, with Zondeki contributing 14.

Gibbs then took up the supporting role to Smith before Smith was trapped lbw by Wavell Hinds.

Gibbs was the only other man to lose his wicket on day three when he was bowled by Collins.

After his departure, Prince and Boucher continued to eke out run after run before stumps.

West Indies: Shivnarine Chanderpaul (captain), Chris Gayle, Wavell Hinds, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Brian Lara, Donovon Pagon, Dwayne Bravo, Courtney Browne, Daren Powell, Pedro Collins, Reon King.

South Africa: Graeme Smith (captain), Abraham de Villiers, Jacques Rudolph, Jacques Kallis, Herschelle Gibbs, Ashwell Prince, Mark Boucher, Nicky Boje, Monde Zondeki, Makhaya Ntini, Andre Nel.

Umpires: David Shepherd, Aleem Dar, TV Replays: Billy Doctrove, Reserve: Terence Birbal. Match referee: Jeff Crowe