Cricket: Auckland shut down by fiery ND

Northern Districts underlined why they lead the Plunket Shield cricket competition by dominating Auckland in Whangarei yesterday.

The home side were on top after the first day of the four-day fixture at Cobham Oval, reaching 36 for two at stumps after dismissing Auckland for 226 in their first innings.

Auckland had little to show for their decision to bat first as the Northern Districts bowlers hunted as a pack in the eighth round match to claim the first-day honours in emphatic style.

None of the Auckland batsmen prospered for long, the best of them being Reece Young, who topscored with a neat 50, but he was also responsible for the unnecessary run out of international opener Tim McIntosh.

McIntosh was turned back seeking a second run and never made his ground, departing for 41, accumulated over more than two hours as he set out his stall in preparation for the upcoming test series against Australia.

Colin de Grandhomme made 40 and Anaru Kitchen 32, otherwise Northern Districts were in total command as four of their bowlers picked up two wickets apiece.

It was the turn of two rawboned teenagers to expose Wellington's shortcomings. Central Districts seam bowlers Doug Bracewell, 19, and Adam Milne, 17, combined to roll Wellington for 250 at McLean Park in Napier.

Bracewell's reward was career-best figures of five for 47, his first five-wicket bag at first-class level in his 10th match, while Milne, in his second game at this level, also impressed in taking four for 49.

Their opening batsmen then survived seven overs to stumps, with Jamie How and Brad Patton set to resume today on 13 and 10 respectively with Central Districts 25 without loss.

- NZPA