McIntosh returns to form with century

Auckland 238 for 5 (McItosh 101, Lythe 63) lead Central Districts 224 by 14 runs
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Tim McIntosh proved that last season was a temporary aberration as he scored his ninth first-class century for Auckland against Central Districts at McLean Park, Napier. McIntosh moved to Canterbury last season to make a push for national selection, but had an embarrassing time of it, posting just 49 runs in 10 innings. He doubled that total in one knock with his 280-minute stay, scoring 101. He shared a 154-run partnership with nightwatchman Tim Lythe (63), who was making his first-class debut. However Auckland's pedestrian scoring rate meant they never really capitalised on this foundation, moving through to 238 for 5, a lead of 14 when stumps were drawn. At the crease was Rob Nichol (29 not out from 146 balls) and Carl Cachopa (10 not out from 55) who shared a painstaking unbroken partnerhip of 26. Michael Mason, returning from injury, was the best of the bowlers with 2 for 20 from 22 overs. Lance Hamilton left the field with an injury and is unlikely to play again in this match.

Otago 319 for 2 (Redmond 99*, Trott 89, Sheed 62) lead Northern Districts 229 by 90 runs
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Otago moved into a near unassailable position against Northern Districts following two days of their clash at Gisborne's Harry Barker Reserve. Chasing Northern's sickly first innings total of 229, Otago passed that mark with the loss of only Jordan Sheed's (62) wicket. They finished the day on 319 for 2. Craig Cumming, the Otago captain, retired hurt on 46 but that just paved the way for South African import Jonathan Trott, who had impressed with the ball taking four wickets, to join Aaron Redmond. Trott scored 89 before he was dismissed to a brilliant catch by Peter McGlashan. Redmond will resume tomorrow on 99. He started the final over of the day on 95, hit a four off the first ball but Te Ahu Davis, the young fast bowler, prevented him scoring from the final five deliveries. Joseph Yovich was the only successful bowler with 2 for 87 off 16 expensive overs.

Wellington 465 for 7 (Ryder 133, Parlane 120, Fleming 62) v Canterbury
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Only 16 overs were possible on day two of the match between Canterbury and Wellington at the Village Green in Christchurch. In that time Wellington took their overnight score from 415 for 5 to 465 for 7. Jesse Ryder, the star of the first day, was dismissed without adding to his overnight total of 133. Grant Elliott, a South African who controversially transferred from Christchurch club cricket to Wellington before the start of the season, did not last long, scoring 2 before he was dismissed. Chris Nevin (28 not out) and Mark Gillespie (15 not out), were the unbeaten batsmen. Nixon McLean was the best bowler for Cantrbury, returning figures of 3 for 50.