Nicol ton gives Auckland big lead

Powered by Rob Nicol's 134 Auckland ran away to a 149-run lead before restricting Central Districts to 114 for 4 at the end of the second day's play at McLean Park. Nicol added 36 runs with his overnight partner Colin de Grandhomme, who moved from 65 to 87, but three quick wickets left Auckland struggling at 182 for 6. Nicol, then, stitched together a valuable 103-run partnership with Andre Adams to lift Auckland and was the last man to be dismissed, when he became the fourth victim of Gregory Hegglun. Chris Martin, who took a five-for in the first innings, caused a dent in the top order with a double strike but Jamie How revived Central Districts with a fluent 84-ball 72. Central Districts still trail by 35 runs, with only six wickets left.

On a turgid day's of cricket Northern Districts reached 181 for 3, in response to Otago's 404, at the end of the second day's play at Dunedin. Bradley-John Watling shared a patient 122-run opening stand in 62.3 overs with Alun Evans but Bradley Scott struck twice to push Northern Districts on the backfoot at 142 for 3. Watling, however, carried on with his immensely patient knock and ended the day 15 runs short of what would be his maiden ton.

Michael Papps starred with a fine 98 but three quick wickets in the last session saw Canterbury slide from a healthy 171 for 1 to 204 for 4 at the end of the second day's play at Wellington. Jesse Ryder cleaned up Papps to start the mini-collapse and 22 runs late Shanan Stewart fell as Wellington came back into the game. Earlier, Wellington's tail wagged to lift the score from the overnight 314 for 8 to 365.