Northern Districts rout Auckland by 318 runs

Northern Districts destroyed Auckland by 318 runs as the home side collapsed again pitifully. Northern's second innings of 265 was held together by Hamish Marshall, who scored 99. Chasing 436 for victory Auckland never came close with only Lou Vincent passing 20. Graeme Aldridge was chief destroyer with 5 for 33.

Centuries from Matthew Bell and Michael Parlane ensured there would not be a repeat of Wellington's embarrasing first-innings collapse against Otago as this match petered out into a tame, rain-affected draw. Little play was possible on the final two days, with Bell taking his score from 103 to an unbeaten 161 and Parlane notching a cultured 140 before being dismissed.

Poor weather and Peter Ingram denied Canterbury any chance of outright victory against Central Districts at a run-laden Village Green . Ingram, for so long a fringe player in this CD outfit, scored his second century of the match and probably secured his spot for the rest of the season with 166 not out to complement his first innings 119. He received good support from Bevan Griggs, who made 72, and Tim Weston unbeaten on 65. Canterbury easily took the lead in the first innings thanks to centuries from Craig McMillan (117), Michael Papps (121) and Brendon Hiini (103 not out).