Jonathan Trott powers Otago to a win

Otago ensured Auckland would start the domestic one-day season in much the same way it completed the last, with a 35-run home win in Alexandra. Auckland has been a powerhouse side in four-day cricket for the past few seasons but its one-day form has been awful. Jonathan Trott was the star on his Shield debut with 78 in Otago's 238 for seven from its 50 overs. The South African, who has struggled in the State Championship, was backed by a run-a-ball knock of 65 from Nathan McCullum. Both also took two wickets - Trott's coming for 16 runs in four overs, McCullum's for 25 in 10. Auckland fell to 203 all out in 49 overs, despite Rob Nicol's 60.

Wellington embarrassed a star-studded Canterbury at Rangiora. Canterbury's top three were all recently discarded New Zealand batsmen and suffered varying fortunes as the home team struggled through to 214 for 6 in its 50 overs. Openers Michael Papps (92 off 139 balls) and Nathan Astle (67 off 102) took Canterbury through to 152 before the first wicket. However their slow scoring rate put too much pressure on the incoming batsmen, who all struggled to get started. Craig Mcmillan was one of them, his 2 off 5 balls doing nothing to help his cause for a national recall. Iain O'Brien was the most miserly of the Wellington bowlers, taking 1 for 28 from his 10 overs. In reply Wellington seldom looked troubled, making a mockery of Canterbury's turgid scoring by winning by seven wickets with more than six overs to spare. Michael Parlane (80*) and Matthew Bell (54*) were undefeated at day's end.

Northern Districts batted first at Pukekura Park, New Plymouth, and its 257 was far too many for home team Central Districts to chase. They were bowled out for 173 with 16 overs left.