Otago's bold bid to defy the planning for the State Cricket Max in Auckland today came undone on the basis of one hard-hitting over from Richard Petrie in the semi-final against Wellington

Otago had reason to feel aggrieved over its treatment in last summer's Max semi-finals and they go into tomorrow morning's playoff State Max match with Wellington with more incentive to overcome the odds

Wellington were given a big fright in their eight-wicket loss to Auckland in the State Max tournament at Albany's North Harbour Stadium today

Canterbury would have felt that victory over Central Districts in the opening game of the State Max tournament at the North Harbour Stadium in Albany today was too easy to compensate for last summer's loss of the national one-day title

The launch of the new season of domestic cricket in New Zealand today heralded a new era in the game

Around a decade ago the North Shore of Auckland was looking to set itself up as the seventh first-class association in New Zealand's cricket structure

New Zealand's domestic cricket season opens this weekend with the State Max competition at Auckland's North Harbour Stadium

Matt Horne has been named captain of the State Auckland Aces team to play in the State Max tournament at North Harbour Stadium this weekend

Campbell Furlong, now representing Taranaki, will captain the State Central Stags in the State Max tournament to be played at North Harbour Stadium at Albany starting on Friday