Trott guides Otago to first-innings lead

Auckland remains in big trouble after two days of this absorbing encounter. Otago looked shaky chasing Auckland's first innings total of 272 when it found itself 4 for 58. However import Jonathan Trott continued his rich summer with a brilliant 120 from just 156 balls. Handy knocks by Gareth Hopkins (52) and Nathan McCullum (66) saw Otago post a lead of 80. Auckland found itself in further trouble at 31 for 2 at stumps, Warren McSkimming picking up both Tim McIntosh and Richard Jones. Earlier Auckland seamer Kyle Mills took 4 for 91from 20.5 overs.

Wellington moved into a position of complete dominance after reducing a disappointing Northern Districts batting line-up to 186 for 6 at stumps in reply to its first inning total of 448. Many of the Northern batsmen made starts but as of yet Nick Horsley's 42 is the best score. Any hope Northern has of remaining competitive in this game is for Joseph Yovich (14 not out) to score big on day three. The consistent Mark Gillespie took 3 for 46 of 19 overs. Earlier Wellington posted a big first innings total thanks to a handy contribution down the order from Sam Fairley (59 not out) to supplement Jesse Ryder's excellent 141 on the first day.

Ewen Thompson is having a match to remember in Christchurch. Fresh from taking 4 for 66 in Canterbury's first innings score of 314, Thompson was the inspiration behind a remarkable Central Districts revival with the bat, his unbeaten 100 drawing Central even with Canterbury at stumps with four wickets in hand. At 104 for 5 and then 163 for 6, you would have got long odds on Central taking first innings points but Tim Weston, playing in his debut first-class match dropped anchor and was unbeaten on 63 from 179 balls. Thompson needed about half that amount to bring up his third first-class century with 15 fours and three sixes.