CD have a topsy-turvy day

Central Districts' joy at dismissing Wellington for a low score was short lived, Matthew Horne made runs on a rainy day, and Otago were placed well at the end of the first day of the latest round of State Championship matches.

1st day close Central Districts 55 for 8 (Franklin 4-22, Gillespie 4-29) trail Wellington 181(Parlane 40, Franklin 39, Thompson 7-55) by 126 runs
Scorecard

After dismissing Wellington for 181 at McLean Park in Napier, Central Districts would have felt it was a job well done. But by the end of the day the smiles were upside-down, when they were reduced to 55 for 8. Ewen Thompson dominated Wellington with seven wickets for 55. One batsman after another trudged back to the stands as Thompson ran through the top order, barring Neal Parlane (40) and Luke Franklin (27), who put on a 74-run stand, before falling to the same bowler. Brendon Diamante achieved his maiden first-class wicket on debut when having Mark Gillespie leg before wicket to finish with one for 24. After the fine start, Central Districts were stunned when Mark Gillespie and James Franklin came out with a vengeance and grabbed eight wickets. The lead, and the form of their bowlers augurs well for Wellington, who made a strong bid for a place in the Championship final.

1st day close Auckland 143 for 3 (Horne 91) v Northern Districts
Scorecard

Because of inclement weather, Auckland could play out only 48 overs on the day. In that time, Matthew Horne made the most of his stay in the middle to finish the day on 91, scored off 144 balls. He played a vital hand for Auckland who ended the day on 143 for 3. There was disappointment for Tim McIntosh when he was run out for one. Mark Richardson scored 14 while Lou Vincent, returning from injury, scored 12. Rob Nicol was on 11 as stumps were taken.

1st day close Otago 278 for 5 (Wasim 66, Lawson 50) v Canterbury
Scorecard

Canterbury asked Otago to bat first at Alexandra where an uninterrupted day was enjoyed, a rare thing in recent weeks. Otago made the most of the opportunity to finish on 278 for five wickets. Mohammad Wasim's good run of form in recent weeks continued as he scored 66 in a 75-run partnership with Chris Gaffaney. They parted when Gaffaney was out for 29. Wasim went on his way soon after, and it was left to Robbie Lawson and Marcel McKenzie to rebuild the momentum of the innings. They added 94 runs before Lawson was out for 50 while McKenzie followed for 46. By stumps, Gareth Hopkins and Jeff Wilson had restored things, leaving the way clear for a second day assault. Hopkins was on 24, and Wilson on 34. Stephen Cunis took 2 for 38 and Andrew Ellis 2 for 47.