Cricket: Wellington have edge over Auckland

An unbeaten fifth-wicket partnership of 122 gave Wellington the edge over Auckland as they reached 278 for four on the first day of the four-day Plunket Shield match at Colin Maiden Park yesterday.

Not out overnight were left-handers Luke Woodcock and Stewart Rhodes, both on 74, who found few terrors in the Auckland attack as the day's play continued into the gloaming.

Auckland came into the game with no points after five rounds, while Wellington are fifth with 16 and can still entertain hopes of a place in the final.

Twenty-year-old opener Michael Pollard held the Wellington innings together when play started three hours late after morning rain.

He was making his first-class debut after a late call-up when Josh Brodie was injured in the nets and he seized the opportunity with a composed 60 off 121 balls with nine fours.

He lost captain Matthew Bell for 12, still 21 short of Bruce Edgar's first-class scoring record for the province, and Cameron Merchant for the same score when the wicket was at its liveliest.

Neal Parlane added 50 with the youngster before top-edging a hook on to his stumps on 32. Pollard put on 79 with Woodcock and was starting to raise his scoring rate when he uncharacteristically chased a ball from Gareth Shaw and was caught behind.

The Auckland attack was notable for the pairing of the medium-paced Shaw brothers, Gareth and Lance. Gareth, back after two seasons ruined by injury, finished with three for 57.

As the day wore on, the wicket lost any venom and it promises plenty more runs over the next three days.

* * *

Senior batsman Mathew Sinclair carries Central Districts' hopes into day two of their rain-affected match against Otago in Invercargill.

Just 28 overs were possible at Queen's Park, and Central were 92 for two after being sent in to bat when rain forced an early close.

Paceman Warren McSkimming (2-31) struck a double blow after Central openers Jamie How and George Worker added an opening stand of 53.

He skittled Worker for 12 then cut short How's promising knock of 44, leaving Sinclair (18 not out) and Brad Patton (14 not out) to rebuild the innings tomorrow.

* * *

A century from opener Rob Nicol saw Canterbury take control on day one of their top-of-the-table match against Northern Districts in Rangiora.

Nicol batted for most of the day for 134 as Canterbury, who trail Northern by six points on the competition ladder, reached 340 for four at stumps.

He was dismissed eight overs before stumps by Graeme Aldridge after a 357-minute, 301-ball knock which included 16 fours and a six.

Johann Myburgh was unlucky not to join Nicol on three figures after his rollicking knock was ended on 96, caught by Kane Williamson off paceman Brent Arnel.

Shanan Stewart also looked poised for a big score and will resume on 46 not out.

- Additional reporting NZPA