Wellington trounce Auckland

The Central Districts duo of Mathew Sinclair and Jamie How each scored centuries to set Otago a challenging target of 401 at the end of the third day of the State Championship match at New Plymouth. Central declared on 259 for 1 with Sinclair and How undefeated on 103 and 134 respectively - Sinclair following up on his first innings ton of 121. Earlier, Otago were bowled out for 275, adding 84 to their overnight score, as Minal Patel claimed three wickets with his left arm spin. Otago batted out seven overs till stumps, ending at eight for no loss.

Riding on James Franklin's double century and a five-wicket haul by Charles Shreck, the seam bowler, Wellington defeated Auckland convincingly by an innings and 60 runs inside three days at Basin Reserve. After Franklin was dismissed for 208, and useful contributions from the tailenders, Wellington declared at 547 for 8. Shreck rocked the top-order, finishing with 5 for 64 off his 18 overs. Tama Canning (67) and Matt Horne (52) were the only two batsmen to cross fifty.

Tailenders Brendon Hiini and Paul Wiseman displayed their batting talents, hitting centuries and taking Canterbury to a commanding position against Northern Districts on the third day of their State Championship match at Hamilton. The Northern Districts bowlers struggled to dislodge the pair, finally managing to get Wiseman out for 130. Hinni remained not-out on 100 as his side declared their first innings at 515 for 9. Wiseman scored briskly, hitting three sixes and 14 fours. Faced with a deficit of 246, Northerns finished on 89 for 1, Chris Harris claiming Alun Evans's wicket.