Wellington have got off to a resounding start with a convincing six-wicket win in the opening domestic cricket Plunket Shield round against Auckland at Mt Maunganui today.
In the process, veteran opener Michael Papps became the first player to complete 10,000 runs in domestic first-class cricket - last season he became one of 25 New Zealanders to have a total of 10,000 in all first-class cricket - and his opening stand of 106 with fellow senior player Luke Woodcock in Wellington's pursuit of 275 to win, was a key part in the victory.
"Being first to 10,000 Plunket Shield runs is a special thing. It's a prestigious competition and to be first is a real honour," said the former test opener.
Another former test batsman, Hamish Marshall, made 39 and first innings centurymaker Stephen Murdoch contributed 31 to the run chase.
In Christchurch, Northern Districts beat Canterbury by five wickets with 13 overs to spare to go top of the table.
