Bates, Munro consign Wellington to another loss

On Saturday, Wellington registered their first win in five games in this season's Ford Trophy. Today, they registered yet another loss, at the hands of table-toppers Auckland. Auckland's seamers put in a solid showing in helpful conditions to restrict Wellington to 208 for 7, before Colin Munro struck a rapid, unbeaten 65 to carry them home with more than 10 overs to spare.

Wellington chose to bat, and all of their batsmen got starts - only No. 7 Luke Woodcock did not get into double digits - but failed to make it count on an overcast day. Only Alecz Day - who made an unbeaten 61 off 76 balls - managed to get to a fifty, and only one other batsman got past 25: opener Michael Pollard. Michael Bates led Auckland's attack with figures of 3 for 20 in his 10.

Auckland received a big blow in the chase when Rob Nicol retired hurt on 22 off 23 balls, having hit the ball onto his foot, but a partnership of 90 between Munro and Craig Cachopa at over a run a ball ensured they were always on track. Nicol was taken to hospital for x-rays, and played no further part in the game. Auckland didn't miss him too much, though, getting to their target in 39.1 overs with four wickets to spare.