Ryder's 141 powers Wellington

Jesse Ryder lit up the first day of the State Championship match between Wellington and Northern Districts at the Basin Reserve with his second first-class century of the summer and his fourth overall. Ryder's 141 off 205 balls was the highlight of a strong Wellington batting display that saw it reach 344 for 6 at stumps. Ryder was well supported by Neal Parlane (57) and Chris Nevin (56). Graeme Aldridge, Bruce Martin and Joseph Yovich each took two wickets.

Auckland's season of disappointment continued at home as it collapsed to 272 all out against Otago at the Eden Park outer oval. Otago's Gareth Shaw did most of the damage ripping through the middle and lower order to take 5 for 49. Warren McSkimming was a handful too, taking 3 for 55. Earlier Auckland looked set to post a competitive total when captain Richard Jones (79) and Auckland's anchor this season Rob Nicol (73) put on 98 for the third wicket. However, only Tama Canning (40) added anything of substance to the scoreboard. Otago reached 12 for the loss of Jordan Sheed's wicket at stumps, Kyle Mills having the opener caught and bowled for 11.

Canterbury will feel it missed out on a big chance to post a massive first innings score after winning the toss against Central Districts on a placid Village Green pitch. All the top-order batsmen got starts but only opener Gary Stead (67) and Shanan Stewart (83), the No.3, moved past 50 as Canterbury ended the day at 308 for 9 with Andrew Ellis not out on 30. Ewen Thompson (3 for 63) and Brendon Diamanti (3 for 80) were the pick of a tidy Central attack.