KEY POINTS:
Gareth Hopkins was denied a century after saving Auckland's blushes in the State Championship cricket match against Northern Districts in Gisborne yesterday.
Hopkins posted 99, the lion's share of Auckland's modest 186 in their first innings on the first day of the four-day match at Harry Barker Reserve.
He produced an innings of character while his teammates collapsed in spectacular fashion in conditions tailormade for the bowlers.
Northern Districts had reached 15 for two before bad light forced an early finish.
In Dunedin, Wellington were hit hard by Otago. The competition leaders hit the ground with a thud as they were rolled for a meagre 76 at University Oval.
Otago's batsmen then put the visitors' struggles into perspective by reaching 201 for one at stumps.
In Christchurch, Central Districts managed 226 in their first innings. Canterbury were 48 for one in reply.
- NZPA
