KEY POINTS:
Richard Jones led from the front yesterday as Auckland batted themselves into a dominating position on a rain-interrupted third day of their four-day game against Central Districts at Eden Park.
The Auckland captain added a second century to his first innings of 143 as Auckland reached 274 for four in their second innings and established a lead of 364 by the time rain and the gloom ended play shortly after 6pm.
The only downside to their day was the loss of Andre Adams for the next game, against Otago on Monday.
Adams has been suspended for that game after a code of conduct hearing for his actions in a clash with CD wicketkeeper Bevan Griggs on Tuesday. Adams shoved Griggs' helmet after the CD player had hit a four off his bowling.
Jones is the first Aucklander to score centuries in each innings of a match since Matt Horne scored 118 and 209 not out against Northern Districts in the 2003-4 season. That double also came on the Eden Park outer oval.
Some players' form suffers with the burden of captaincy but Jones is in a rich vein at the moment. When CD opted to put Auckland in on the first day, Jones' century and 65 from Martin Guptill provided most of the runs.
Yesterday Jones was equally dominant, scoring 100 of Auckland's first 137 of which five were extras and again combining with Guptill in a century partnership after an early wicket.
Both fell when the score was 163 with Guptill well caught by Mathew Sinclair when slashing at a short ball from leg-spinner Robbie Schaw. Jones lost his leg stump to an inswinger from Scott Baldwin.
It was a special moment for Baldwin, who was savaged in the first innings after being brought into the CD squad from Wanganui club cricket for his first first-class game when several regulars dropped out with injury.
Jones needed just 164 balls for his 120, including 15 fours and one six. The centuries were his 11th and 12th at this level.
Unlike in their first innings, Auckland did not crumble with the loss of Jones and Guptill. Colin De Grandhomme hit a brisk 29 and Rob Nicol (51) and David Houpapa (31) put together an unbroken partnership of 62.
Auckland will have an extended day's play today to try for the outright points they need to retain any hopes in the State Championship.
Canterbury v Wellington
Wellington are locked into an old fashioned arm wrestle with Canterbury as both sides look to chase first innings points today.
On a slow third day at QEII Park in Christchurch, Wellington reached stumps at 316 for five in their first innings in reply to Canterbury's imposing 613 for seven.
The scorers were hardly troubled as Wellington seemed intent on survival as they look to stay in touch with their hosts, who are second in the competition.
Grant Elliott and Stu Mills will resume on 73 and 58 respectively for Wellington this morning.
Northern Districts v Otago
Aaron Redmond's first-class career has taken off big time of late.
He scored his second century in as many matches by posting 127 for Otago against Northern Districts at Seddon Park in Hamilton yesterday.
A fortnight ago Redmond had made just one century in 55 matches. He now has three, with his 57th game yet to be completed.
Otago declared at 408 for eight and had Northern on 47 for three at stumps, the home side holding an overall lead of 162.
- Additional reporting NZPA
