Mark Chapman has continued his push for higher honours, smashing a superb century to lead Auckland to a 79-run victory over Wellington in the Ford Trophy.
The promising 23-year-old has continued on from his impressive Twenty20 form, now leading the runscoring charts in the one-day competition, with his most recent innings the best of the lot.
Chapman, who New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen has said is on the cusp of an international call-up, smacked 17 fours as he made 117 from 104 balls, being the only Auckland batsman to pass 35 as Auckland made 264-9.
In response, Wellington started strongly but a burst of wickets from young seamer Jamie Brown (4-38) took apart the top order. Wellington never recovered, eventually being bowled out for 185.
Auckland move into second on the ladder, behind Central Districts, who eased to a six-wicket win over Otago to book their spot in the finals.
