Harris keeps Canterbury above water

Canterbury 265 for 8 (Harris 78, Wiseman 51*) v Central Districts
Scorecard

Canterbury might lead the State Championship, but their one-day conquerors, Central Districts, gave them a healthy welcome back to the four-day game at Rangiora today. The second round of the competition started with the top three teams beginning a series of games against the bottom-placed three teams, from which the two top sides will contest the final next month.

Canterbury also had the disadvantage of being without one of the key runscorers this summer. Michael Papps, who is now part of the international one-day side, is now likely to miss the remainder of the championship programme. Aaron Redmond was promoted to opener for Canterbury, but he scored 1 and was out by the time 10 runs had been scored. It was left to Chris Harris, the perennial run gatherer, to restore the side's fortunes as he scored 78 off 127 balls, an innings which included three sixes and nine fours. Paul Wiseman was unbeaten on 50 at stumps, the ninth half-century of his first-class career, while Regan West, the left-arm spinner, took 2 for 28 from his 20 overs.

Northern Districts 108 for 3 v Wellington
Scorecard

Northern Districts, after a dreadful one-day season, attempted to confront their batting demons head on when choosing to bat first against Wellington at the Basin Reserve. The start had been delayed due to bad weather, and once play started it finished early. Nick Horsley provided early impetus to the innings with 30 off 44 balls, while Grant Robinson was 43 not out at stumps, and carrying much of ND's hopes for setting Wellington a reasonable target. Iain O'Brien finished with 2 for 33, and Mark Gillespie 1 for 28 for Wellington.

Auckland 121 for 4 v Otago
Scorecard

Auckland were asked to bat first at the revamped University Oval at Dunedin when play finally got started after the scheduled lunch break. Warren McSkimming took 2 for 32, while Jeff Wilson returned from his injury frustrations and bowled with fire to take 1 for 20. Matt Horne scored 35 while Aaron Barnes was 28 not out at stumps. Play ended early when bad light set in.