KEY POINTS:
Northern Districts hold the upper hand over Otago going into the final day of a State Championship match where outright victory is imperative for both teams.
Otago had reached 211 for six by stumps on the third day at Hamilton's Seddon Park, giving them a 210-run lead.
Having just secured first innings honours yesterday, Northern will chase hard for maximum points today while Otago will have to bowl well to achieve the same result.
The two teams are locked in fourth place and only outright success will keep them in the hunt for a place in next month's final.
A steady stream of Otago wickets kept Northern in the box seat as the visitors struggled to establish a sizeable partnership. Nathan McCullum was unbeaten on 55 and is their main hope if they are to push on to set a competitive target.
Jordan Sheed was run out for 42 while first innings century-maker Neil Broom scored 36.
Earlier Northern declared immediately after sneaking a run ahead of Otago's first innings, scoring 328 for eight.
Central Districts launched a second innings fightback but still trailed Wellington by 32 runs with eight winnings standing at stumps in Palmerston North.
Wellington, in reply to Central's first innings of 150, finished with 346 after resuming yesterday on 163 for five. At stumps in their second innings, Central were 164 for two.
- NZPA
