KEY POINTS:
Lance Shaw emulated Chris Martin's first innings five-wicket bag as Auckland swept to a eight-wicket win inside three days in their State Championship cricket match against title holders Central Districts in Napier yesterday.
After bowling Central out for 188 in the second innings, Auckland was left to make just 40 runs to win. Though they lost two wickets and opener Tim McIntosh went for a duck, Richard Jones (28 not out) and Rob Nicol (11 not out) guided Auckland home in just 13.2 overs.
Auckland had restricted Central to 181 in the first innings despite Peter Ingram's century and took a sound lead when they replied with 330.
Shaw took five for 63 in Central's second innings, which crumbled as they lost their last five men for 20 runs.
Martin took three for 38, completing a match return of eight for 86 after his five for 48 in the first innings.
Andre Adams got 2 for 58.
Wellington v Canterbury A
Jesse Ryder century has threatened to deny leaders Canterbury any return from their visit to the Basin Reserve after Wellington forged a 286-run lead by stumps on day three yesterday.
After getting first innings points by claiming the last six Canterbury scalps for 88 runs, Ryder dominated the host's bid for an outright win on the final day today with 100 off 148 balls.
Ryder hit 14 boundaries and a six though his dismissal in the last over of the day potentially gave Canterbury a window of opportunity to salvage something from the contest.
Ryder was run out two balls before stumps for 114 exposing the tail giving Canterbury with chance to wrap up Wellington's second dig of 213 for seven when play resumes.
Otago v ND
A fighting century from opener BJ Watling wasn't enough to save Northern Districts from conceding first innings points in Dunedin.
Watling, who was on 85 overnight, and Northern on 183 for three, after an opening partnership of 122 with Alun Evans, completed his century yesterday.
However Northern's 337 still fell 67 runs short of Otago's first innings 404.
At stumps Otago were 21 without loss, an overall lead of 88.
- NZPA
