Marcus North made his breakthrough first class century when he protected Western Australia against Queensland quick Ashley Noffke's wrath on day one of the Pura Cup cricket clash at the WACA.

North's resistance was the main reason the Warriors finished the opening day at 8-305 after a blistering display by the ACB-contracted Noffke.

The right handed paceman claimed 4-69 including the prized early scalps of Warriors captain Simon Katich and his deputy Mike Hussey.

North chose the perfect moment to notch his maiden ton with Katich (0) and Hussey (2) back in the rooms and only five runs on the board.

The upright left-hander defied the Queensland attack for 231 minutes to compile 106, eclipsing his previous first class high of 60.

He struck 17 fours and was involved in partnerships of 87 with Murray Goodwin and 89 with Kade Harvey before falling offering a thick edge to Bulls keeper Wade Seccombe off Noffke.

He said after the game the difficult position the side was in when he strode to the crease had added gloss to his maiden century.

"It felt really great. I just tried to go out there and follow the team plan which was to build partnerships," he said.

"The ball just got bigger as the day wore on and to get a hundred along the way was a real bonus.

"It's definitely the highlight of my career, no question.

"It's always good to get a hundred at any level of cricket, but your first first class hundred is what you're always striving for and I think today it came at a good time and helped WA win the day."

Former Zimbabwe international Goodwin continued his impressive start to the season with a much-needed 68.

Goodwin, who smashed 141 in the Warriors' last game against Tasmania, batted for 204 minutes after coming in with the score 2-5.

He became highly-touted Queensland left armer Mitchell Johnson's (2-47) first Pura Cup wicket when he was caught by Andrew Symonds at point.

Bulls veteran Michael Kasprowicz toiled all day but only managed the one wicket, that of last minute call-up Kade Harvey to end the all-rounders plucky resistance.

Harvey, who came into the side today to replace virus-ridden all-rounder Brad Hogg, made 31 before he edged Kasprowicz to Jimmy Maher in the slips.

© 2001 AAP