KEY POINTS:
Seamer Iain O'Brien helped Wellington grab back the initiative in the four-day championship against Auckland yesterday.
O'Brien took career-best figures of eight for 55 as the home team stood firm after a meek opening to the State Championship fixture at Wellington's Basin Reserve.
Having folded for 103 in their first innings on Monday, Wellington restricted Auckland to 157 for seven by stumps and this morning dismissed the visitors for 174.
Their batsmen then made amends, reaching 242 for three by stumps to hold an overall lead of 172 runs.
O'Brien was at the top of his game, delivering several testing spells as he snared his seventh five-wicket haul at first-class level.
Reece Young, who scored 51 on Monday, could add just two before being undone by O'Brien, and Lance Shaw ended up unbeaten on 20.
Wellington lost opener Sam Fairley early, but Neal Parlane made 87 not out, Luke Woodcock got 59 and Michael Parlane 55.
Resuming with Neal Parlane today will be Grant Elliott on 24, with the first obvious target being to help his senior partner to his century.
ND v CD
Northern Districts' top-order batsmen had ground Central Districts into the rock-hard Gisborne dirt by the halfway stage of their match.
It was a day of toil under a baking sun for the Central bowlers as Northern reached 329 for three by stumps, giving them a lead of 24.
It could be more of the same today as James Marshall, unbeaten on 86, is poised to reach his seventh first-class century. With him is Geoff Robinson on 43.
Earlier BJ Watling and Brad Wilson put on an opening stand of 118, to kickstart the methodical chase of Central's 305.
Watling fell for 91, his second dismissal in the 90s this season, while Wilson reached 56 and Hamish Marshall contributed a rapid 35.
The Central bowlers lacked penetration against the competition leaders.
Paceman Brent Hefford produced the most respectable figures, conceding little more than two runs an over as he took one for 56 off 27 overs.
CANTERBURYv OTAGO
Iain Robertson hinted at a bright future after starring for Canterbury against Otago in Christchurch.
Robertson, 24, posted his maiden first-class century in just his third match as the home side wore down Otago's bowling attack at QEII Park.
Having resumed on the second morning on 279 for five, Canterbury advanced to a robust 468 for nine before captain Chris Harris declared.
Robertson faced 129 balls, hit eight fours and four sixes, and received invaluable support from Canterbury's green lower order.
Otago resume their run chase this morning at 96 for two.
- NZPA
