Harris stars in Canterbury win

Chris Harris set an excellent example as captain, guiding Canterbury to an 86-run win against Central Districts in their State Championship match at Christchurch. Harris enjoyed a match aggregate of 174 runs (without being dismissed) and seven wickets, including an unbeaten 55 and 4 for 44 with the ball in the second innings, to dismiss the opposition for 273. Harris and Craig McMillan (42*) added 90 for the fourth wicket as Canterbury declared their second innings at 252 for 4, leaving Central Districts to chase 360. Harris got rid of Jarod Englefield, who top-scored with 77, one of his three caught-and-bowled victims. Ewen Thompson made a spirited half-century (54) at No.8 before falling to Gary Stead. Harris claimed the last two wickets as his side romped to victory.

Auckland went from strength to strength at the end of the third day in their State Championship match at Eden Park setting Wellington a tall target of 510. Martin Guptill of Auckland was unlucky to fall one short of what would have been his debut ton in first-class cricket, caught behind by Chris Nevin off Jesse Ryder. His knock came off 272 balls with 14 fours and a six. Matthew Horne had a good outing, scoring 81 as Auckland declared at 443 for 6. In reply, Wellington lost two wickets, that of Luke Woodcock and Michael Parlane after an opening stand of 54. Matthew Bell was not out on 52 at stumps with the score on 89.

Otago gained valuable first-innings points after their match against Northern Districts ended in a draw at Dunedin. A dogged display of batting by Bruce Martin and Joseph Yovich bailed Northern Districts out of trouble, after they were reduced to 141 for 7, losing three wickets in the morning session. The pair added 102 for the eighth wicket and Martin remained unbeaten on 62, putting in an impressive allround show in the match, after his five-wicket haul on the third day. David Sewell, the left-arm bowler, was the most effective bowler for Otago, with figures of 4 for 58.