Otago trounce Auckland by six wickets

Otago coasted to a six-wicket win over Auckland after the home team were dismissed for a disappointing 216 in their second innings. Only Tim Lythe, with a marathon 47 that took nearly 200 balls, Tama Canning (51) and Andre Adams (25) provided any resistance to the pace attack of Bradley Scott, Warren McSkimming, Gareth Shaw and David Sewell. Otago lost early wickets chasing 139, but an unbeaten 60 from Jordan Sheed ensured there would be no dramatic collapse.

Northern Districts face the prospect of batting all day to save, or possibly win, the match against Wellington. After posting 312 for 9in their first innings thanks to wicketkeeper Peter McGlashan's brilliant century, Northern sat back and watched the hosts smash 303 for 3 in just 68 overs. Matthew Bell (54), Michael Parlane (82) and first-innings centurion Jesse Ryder (66) all posted half centuries. Northern made the worst possible start chasing 440 for victory, with Mark Gillespie capturing BJ Watling's wicket before stumps as Northern closed on 22 for 1.

Michael Papps posted his eighth first-class century but Central Districts took first-innings points in this match that appears destined for a draw unless Canterbury make an imaginative declaration on day four. With a first-innings lead of 60 thanks to Ewen Thompson's bludgeoned 122 and debutant Tim Weston's measured 85 not out (and despite Brandon Hiini's 5 for 82), Central could do nothing about Canterbury's second-innings onslaught. Papps made an even 100 while Shanan Stewart completed a fine match double with 94. Canterbury reached stumps at 244 for 3 with Brendon Diamanti capturing all three wickets.