Record-breaking Papps stars in crushing Wellington win

Michael Papps and Luke Woodcock put on 432, the biggest opening partnership in New Zealand's first-class history, as Wellington ran roughshod over Auckland in a three-day finish at the Basin Reserve.

Auckland, who saw Wellington blast 553 for 3 declared after being shot out for 66, fared slightly better in the second innings, but it wasn't enough. They lasted 103.3 overs in which they made 286, thanks largely to half-centuries from Jeet Raval and Mark Chapman. But all they did was delay the inevitable; Wellington winning by an innings 205 runs.

All the bowlers shared the spoils - Hamish Bennett and Woodcock picked up two wickets each, but the pick of the lot was medium pacer Ian McPeake, who took 3 for 51.

The most noteworthy performance in a glittering win came from Papps, whose unbeaten 316 made him the eighth-oldest triple-centurion in first-class history. At 38, he was also the oldest triple-centurion among New Zealand cricketers. He hit 51 fours and one fix during the course of his 435-ball vigil. Woodcock, in comparison, made a sedate 151, courtesy 25 fours and a six.

The game was, however, set up by Ollie Newton, who snared four wickets in eight overs in the first innings, as Auckland didn't even last a session. He was well supported by Bennett, who picked up three wickets. Barring Tarun Nethula, who top scored with 23, none of the other batsmen faced even 20 deliveries.