McMillan and Papps put Canterbury in control

Northern Districts were in a strong position after two days play against their neighbours as Auckland collapsed to 136 all out . Northern were 60 for 1, a lead of 230, with Hamish Marshall not out 17 and Bradley-John Watling 24. Earlier Brent Arnel played a leading role in ripping through a disappointing Auckland line up. Only captain Richard Jones (50) passed 20, although Rob Nicol was typically stonewall-ish, scoring his unbeaten 12 off 49 deliveries. Arnel took 4 for 31 off 12 overs.

Michael Papps and Craig McMillan would be regretting the fact New Zealand's test season is only two matches long after both posted centuries on day two of this match. Replying to Central Districts' disappointing 264, Canterbury were in a strong position after Papps (121) and McMillan (117) laid the foundation for a massive total. Greg Hegglun with 3 for 68 was the best of the Central bowlers.

Wellington's stunning collapse was matched only by their equally dramatic fightback against Otago. At one point Wellington were 21 for 7 in their first innings. A late revival still took them some way short of respectability. Otago, despite having the benefit of time, decided to re-insert the visitors, a move they could live to regret. Matthew Bell (103 not out) notched his second century in as many matches, while Michael Parlane will start tomorrow on 85 not out. Bradley Scott with 4 for 13 off 10 overs was the main destroyer.