Craig Cachopa scored a career high 203 yesterday as Auckland recovered from 54 for five to reach 370 for eight on the opening day of their final round Plunket Shield match against Wellington at Eden Park outer oval.
Cachopa and Gareth Hopkins (70) put on 247 for the sixth wicket before both fell late in the day. Mark Gillespie took 4-68, taking care of the Auckland top order, while Grant Elliott finished the day with 2-46.
Cachopa's first first-class double ton came in 203 balls as he peppered the boundary with nine sixes and 26 fours before he was bowled by Gillespie. Bruce Martin (30) and Matt Quinn (3) were at the crease at stumps. Auckland will look to pass the 400 mark on day two.
Recently crowned champions Canterbury spent the day in the field as Central were 267 for six at stumps in Napier after the home side won the toss and decided to bat.
Todd Astle took 4-76 for Canterbury while Central opener Ben Smith fell nine runs short of a century, caught by Peter Fulton off the bowling of George Worker for 91. Kruger van Wyk will begin day two on 44 with Tarun Nethula (18).
