Bond fails to shine on return

Central Districts 439 for 7 (Thompson 98*, Englefield 81, Taylor 78) v Canterbury
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Shane Bond finished with scarcely specacular figures of 1 for 85 on his return for Canterbury as Central Districts built up a huge total at Pukekura Park. Ewen Thompson, who came in at No. 8, smashed an unbeaten 98 from just 71 balls to pile on the misery for Canterbury after Jarrod Englefield (81) and Ross Taylor had added 159 for the fifth wicket. After winning the toss and deciding to bowl first, Canterbury had reason to be satisfied with their morning's work as Central Districts slumped to 102 for 4. But then Englefield, Taylor and Thompson took charge, stealing the limelight from Bond, who eased himself back into proceedings without creating a big stir.

Auckland 46 for 4 trail Otago 268 (Todd 73, Redmond 52) by 222 runs
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Warren McSkimming starred with bat and ball as Otago dominated the opening day of their match against Auckland at the University Oval in Dunedin. Having made 46 earlier to boost Otago to 268, McSkimming nipped out two wickets as Auckland slumped to 46 for 4 by the close. Greg Todd (73) and Aaron Redmond held the top order together, but once Otago slid to 163 for 7, it was left to McSkimming and Nathan McCullum (22) to add 78 and transform the state of the match. For Auckland, Gareth Shaw took 3 for 67.

Northern Districts 48 for 2 trail Wellington 250 (Parlane 83) by 202 runs
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At the Basin Reserve, Wellington collapsed to a dismal 54 for 7 in the face of some fine bowling from Joseph Yovich and Daryl Tuffey. But Neil Parlane ground out a determined 83 to lift them up to 250. In reply, Northern Districts lost two wickets to Mark Gillespie before stumps.