Sinclair's century probably not enough

Mathew Sinclair gets into a rhythm during Central Districts' first innings. Photo / Paul Estcourt

Mathew Sinclair yesterday scored the 17th first-class century this season on the Eden Park outer oval, but it was a lone act of defiance in something of a lost cause for Central Districts.

Central began the day on 56 for 0, chasing the 662 declared for five amassed by Auckland in their first innings over the first two days of the four-day State Championship match.

But the pitch that has been a batsman's paradise this season was less suited to the visitors as the Auckland bowlers warmed up for the grand final between the same two teams in Christchurch next week.

The prolific Peter Ingram breezed his way to 54 before falling leg before wicket to Kyle Mills but there was little to celebrate besides Sinclair's hundred.

Stumps were drawn early because of bad light with Central on 276 for six with Sinclair 100 not out and Doug Bracewell on 9.

Central had lost one of their batsmen before the start - Tim Weston was sidelined with a broken hand suffered while fielding.

Sinclair's hundred was not without its hiccups. He was dropped from a straight-forward catch at first slip off Michael Bates when he was on 12. But he battled on and had hit 14 fours and one six at the close.

Left-arm medium pacer Bates, who has been unable to command a regular place in the Auckland lineup, took three wickets and could have had more. He was lively and got movement from the pitch.

Internationals Daryl Tuffey and Kyle Mills were always hostile but some of the Auckland catching was insecure.

An outright result looks unlikely with a chancy weather forecast for the final day today but Auckland will take some edge into the five-day final from Monday.

Northern Districts had an eight-wicket win over Wellington in Whangarei yesterday.

Spinners Bruce Martin and Kane Williamson and recalled New Zealand seamer Tim Southee took three wickets each for Northern as Wellington's second innings folded for 289.

Needing 65 runs off 18 overs to secure the outright result, Northern used just 10, reaching 65 for two.

It wasn't enough to overhaul Wellington, last year's beaten finalists who finish third overall, one place ahead of Northern.