Yovich and Orchard revive Northern Districts

Northern Districts 277 for 5 (Orchard 112*, Yovich 106*) v Central Districts
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Jamie How would have been very pleased after he won the toss and inserted Northern Districts. At 38 for 5, Northern's batsmen looked certain to collapse as pathetically as they did in their opening match against Otago. However, Mark Orchard and Joseph Yovich found no demons in either the McLean Park pitch or Central's bowlers. Both posted their maiden first-class centuries and shared a record unbeaten 239-run sixth-wicket partnership. Orchard was first to reach hundred, and ended the day on 112 after 245 balls of dedicated graft. Yovich, who previously had a 99 to his name, made 106 from 219 balls. Central's bowlers shared the early wickets with Ewen Thompson the best with 2-46.

Canterbury 92 for 3 v Auckland
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There was little to get excited about at the Village Green in Christchurch as rain dominated proceedings. In the 27.3 overs bowled, Canterbury stuttered to 92 for 3 against Auckland. Michael Papps (2), Peter Fulton (18) and the out-of-form Nathan Astle (5) went early before Gary Stead (31*) and another under-fire batsman, Craig McMillan (24*), took the home side through to some safety. Tama Canning was the most successful bowler with 2 for 32 from his eight overs.

Otago 37 for 3 trail Wellington 292 (Parlane 57, Ryder 79) by 255 runs
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Wellington were in early trouble after they were asked to bat at Dunedin's University Oval. At 34 for 3, there was an opportunity for Otago to squeeze the visitors, but a strong middle order performance, led by Jesse Ryder (79), enabled Wellington to take a position of strength after a rain-affected first day. Ryder followed up his round-one century with a typically fluent innings and it was a big surprise to see him lose his stumps after he played down the wrong line to Brad Scott.

Neal Parlane (57), Mark Gillespie (42) and James Franklin also contributed. Warren McSkimming, Scott and Jonathan Trott each picked up two wickets. Otago did not enjoy the cold conditions when they replied late in the day, slumping to 7 for 2. AJ Harris had the worst possible start to his first-class career, being trapped in front by Franklin without offering a shot to the first ball he faced. Trott (18) was caught in a similar fashion on the first ball of the last over to leave Otago 37 for 3 with Jordan Sheed unbeaten on 11.