Jamie How leads Central Districts in uphill task

Central Districts embarked on a long process of trying to overhaul Northern Districts' first-innings total of 450 at McLean Park with Jamie How, the captain and opener, leading the way. The home side ended the day at 120 for 3 with How, who failed twice in round one against Auckland, not out on 79. Jarrod Engelfield was with him on 13 as the pair went on a rescue mission after Central fell to 72 for 3 with Peter Ingram and Mathew Sinclair dismissed for ducks. All the plaudits went to the Northern pair of Mark Orchard and Joseph Yovich who combined for a sixth-wicket partnership of 322, a New Zealand record. Yovich (144) was first to go, followed by Orchard (175). The in-form Peter McGlashan ended unbeaten on 61. Apart from those three there was just 36 runs scored from the other eight Northern bats as extras totalled 34. Ewen Thompson was the best of the bowlers with 3 for 85.

No play was possible between Canterbury and Auckland on the second day at the Village Green because of rain. Canterbury remain on 92 for 3.

Wellington was in complete control against Otago after another weather-affected day at University Oval. Chasing Wellington's 292 for first-innings points, the home side capitulated to be all out for 73. Iain O'Brien, a former national bowler, finished with remarkable figures of 4 for 12 from 11 overs. James Franklin also took four wickets, his at a cost of 30, while Mark Gillespie snared the other two. Following on, Otago was in a much better position at 114 for 1, with Jordan Sheed (57*) and Aaron Redmond battling away.