Cricket: Papps piles on runs as Wellington down Auckland

Michael Papps piled on the runs for Wellington as they beat Auckland. Photo / Warren Buckland

Auckland's first-class campaign has stalled on the back of three successive Plunket Shield defeats. Since beating Canterbury by 10 wickets at Rangiora in mid-February, Auckland have lost by four wickets to both Canterbury and Otago, and yesterday Wellington beat them by 213 runs at Colin Maiden Park yesterday.

Opener Michael Papps became the 24th New Zealander to reach 10,000 first-class runs on his way to a fine 171. He joins a list headed by Glenn Turner (34,346 runs), John Wright (25,073) and Martin Crowe (19,608).

Wellington added 124 runs yesterday, leaving Auckland a target of 382, but they were rolled for just 168.

Only allrounder Donovan Grobbelaar, with 49, and wicketkeeper Brad Cachopa, 33, made much progress, as Matt McEwan, Andy McKay and Jeetan Patel took three wickets apiece.

Leaders Canterbury recorded a 183-run win over bottom-placed Central Districts in Nelson and have now won three on the bounce.

Canterbury had left CD an imposing 419 to win but despite a 108-run third wicket stand between Will Young and Greg Hay CD were bowled out for 235.

Young made 75 to continue a good season while international one-day bowler Matt Henry took four for 74.

Northern Districts will start their second innings against Otago at Hamilton on 231 for nine, holding an overall lead of 332.

Otago added 114 to their first innings, with Jesse Ryder going on to 92, before declaring 101 runs behind.

Northern's Anton Devcich starts today on 105. Otago seamer Jacob Duffy has taken five for 75.