Marshall puts Northerns within sight of victory

Northern Districts should wrap up a comprehensive win over Auckland at Eden Park tomorrow, after reducing the home side to 63 for 5 in pursuit of 436. Northern Districts' struggled second time round, Hamish Marshall providing the anchor with 99, falling all of one run short of his 10th first-class century. Marshall and Nick Horsley provided the backbone of the innings, putting on 118 for the fourth wicket before Horsley was dismissed for 58. The rest of the innings fell away, but with a lead of 170 after the first innings, Northern Districts were already in a commanding position. Auckland's slim chances were effectively over within seven overs as they slumped to 13 for 3.

Bat continued to dominate ball at Christchurch where Canterbury amassed 500 for 5 declared against Central Districts, with Brandon Hiini becoming the third batsman to make a hundred after Michael Papps and Craig McMillan yesterday. Hiini and Shanan Stewart, who came together in the penultimate over last night, added 459 for the fourth wicket. Central Districts reduced their first-innings deficit to 88 after reaching 148 for 1 at the close, as Canterbury's bowlers toiled on a pitch getting easier by the day. Their one breakthrough came courtesy of a run-out, and it will take something special for them to force a result tomorrow.

There was no play at Dunedin which gives Wellington a good chance of saving the game against Otago after they were bowled out for 71and forced to follow-on yesterday.