Canterbury ride on Robertson's ton

Iain Robertson struck his maiden first-class century to boost Canterbury to a strong first-innings total of 469 for 8 on the second day against Otago at Christchurch. Michael Papps, overnight on 143, added 26 to his score before falling to seamer Matthew Harvey. Robertson led the lower-order resistance, adding 85 with Michael Davidson for the eighth wicket and another 44 for the tenth wicket with Willie Lonsdale. Robertson dominated both stands, bringing up his century before Chris Harris declared the innings. He brisk unbeaten 102 included eight fours and four sixes. Jordan Sheed led Otago's reply with 46 as his side ended the day at 96 for 2 when bad light curtailed play.

Wellington replied strongly after conceding a first-innings lead of 74 to Auckland at the Basin Reserve, ending the second day at 243 for 3. Following the batting failure on the opening day in which 17 wickets fell, the script took a different turn today as Luke Woodcock, Michael Parlane and Neal Parlane struck half centuries. Neal Parlane remained unbeaten on 87, giving his side a lead of 169 at stumps with seven wickets in hand. Earlier, seamer Iain O'Brien bagged his best figures in first-class cricket with 8 for 55, wrapping up the Auckland innings for 174.

An impressive showing by the Northern Districts top order gave them a first-innings lead of 25 on the second day against Central Districts at Gisborne. Chasing Central's first-innings score of 305, openers Bradley Watling and Brad Wilson put together a stand of 118. Wilson departed for a patient 56 while Watling carried on, adding a quick 57 for the second wicket with Hamish Marshall. Watling though was unfortunate to miss his ton, falling nine short when he was bowled by legspinner Robbie Schaw. James Marshall strengthened Northern's position with an unbeaten 86, taking the side past Central's score in the company of Grant Robinson who was seven short of a fifty at stumps.