Northern Districts reached 137 but that wasn't enough to deny Canterbury an innings victory at Christchurch. Joseph Yovich scored 52 to salvage some pride from the lost cause. Chris Martin achieved career-best figures when he claimed 5 for 40, worthy reward for the mayhem he stirred on the third afternoon as ND crumbed. Paul Wiseman had a good final morning and finished with 3 for 31.
James Franklin entered first-class cricket after a promising schoolboy career as a batsman, but it has been more of a bowler for Wellington. However his ability with the bat has resurfaced in the past few years. At Carisbrook, he scored his maiden first-class century (108*) as Wellington fell 84 runs short of Otago's first innings score. It was a long haul by Franklin, who started the day on 57. Matthew Walker's 77-minute vigil aided him in reaching the mark. Franklin's 408-minute effort included 11 fours. Nathan Morland, the Otago offspinner bowled a marathon 61 overs and ended with 2 for 82. Otago batted out the day and finished on 91 for 2 before play was called off. Mohammad Wasim cashed in with an unbeaten 50.
Just as they did in the first innings, Auckland had to rely on their last pair to save their skins against Central Districts at Eden Park's outer oval. Brooke Walker and Kerry Walmsley defied Central Districts for nearly 30 minutes to deny them an outright win. Central Districts began the day with some quick scoring, after rain had ruined the whole of the third day's play. Craig Spearman clattered 133 off 114 balls, including 11 sixes and nine fours. Rob Nicol was the victim of this carnage with his four overs costing 54. Mathew Sinclair was unbeaten on 127 when the declaration arrived. Brooke Walker was among the wickets again with 3 for 62.
Of all the Auckland batsmen, only Nicol (77) performed, with Brent Hefford (4 for 38) and Glen Sulzberger (3 for 32) running through the Auckland middle order and put them in a precarious position when stumps were drawn. Canterbury now lead the State Championship with 18 points. Auckland have 13, Wellington six, Otago five, Central Districts 4 and Northern Districts 2.