Auckland
Auckland are well positioned to secure their third consecutive State Championship cricket victory after Tama Canning struck the vital last-session blow against Central Districts at Eden Park outer oval yesterday.
Central will resume their second innings at 274 for eight, 220 ahead of the home side.
Earlier yesterday Auckland's Lou Vincent showed that the wicket was full of possibilities, as he notched a career best unbeaten 185, with 140 of those runs coming in boundaries, as his team were dismissed for 404.
New Zealand and Central batsman Mathew Sinclair was always going to be the prize wicket for Auckland.
Sinclair, with a penchant for massive scores once he is established, looked to be heading towards Vincent territory as he steered Central to 170 for 5.
However, Canning led a celebration party after Sincliar's wicket fell at 95.
With a century nearing, Sinclair prodded at a fine lifting delivery from Canning, then tossed his bat in the air in disgust as Reece Young grabbed the catch.
Sinclair, who had been involved in a verbal altercation with Auckland fielder Matt Horne, walked away in disbelief and Central staggered for a while.
Wicketkeeper Bevan Griggs, who is 24 runs short of his second first-class century, and Andrew Schwass had put on 40 for the eighth wicket by stumps, with Griggs almost entirely responsible for the scoring.
But Auckland are best placed going in to the final day, and should have Andre Adams back in the attack today after he was struck by an ankle problem.
After Vincent had led Auckland to a 54-run first innings advantage, their pacemen bowled well to hammer home the advantage.
They were backed by a strong fielding effort, with fine catches to Vincent and Aaron Barnes and a superb run out from captain Brooke Walker increasing the pressure on Central. - NZPA
Auckland well placed for another win
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