Sinclair and Griggs lead CD fightback

Central Districts 350 and 274 for 8 (Sinclair 95, Bevan Griggs 76*) lead Auckland 404 (Vincent 185*; Hamilton 6-80) by 220 runs
Scorecard

Lou Vincent produced a career-best 185 not out against Central Districts as Auckland were in a good position to secure maximum points in the State Championship game at Eden park Outer Oval. Vincent took up from where he left off on the second afternoon to ease past the 159 he scored in the 1998-99 season and was unbeaten at the end of the day.

Out of favour with the national selectors since the tour by Pakistan in late-2003, Vincent made a powerful statement with his superb knock. He helped Auckland to a first-innings lead of 54 and crashed 29 fours in his 253-ball effort. He was particularly severe on Andre Adams, who he knocked for 14 fours. Lance Hamilton was the pick of the CD bowlers and his nagging line and length finished with 6 for 80.

However, Mathew Sinclair, the man whose place is most vulnerable in the Test side, made his own statement when Central Districts had their chance to bat. Facing a 54-run deficit, CD lost two wickets in wiping those runs off. Sinclair, batting at No 3, provided the solidity and engineered a good fightback. Bevan Griggs, who has a first-class century to his name, settled in with Sinclair to add 76 for the sixth wicket. Just before the end, Griggs completed 1000 runs in first-class cricket and was 76 not out when stumps were drawn.

Ewen Thompson, who cracked a century in the first innings, chipped a quick 24 while Regan West added 16. But it was Andrew Schwass who then combined with Griggs to extend CD's. Kyle Mills and Tama Canning proved the most effective of the Auckland bowlers. Canning had 3 for 65 while Mills had 2 for 78.

Otago 308 and 164 for 5 (Sheed 83*; Astle 2-29) lead Canterbury 198 by 274 runs
Scorecard

Overnight rain in Dunedin meant a delayed start to the match at University Oval and once play got underway, a passing thunderstorm meant only four overs were possible. In that time Jordan Sheed advanced his score to 83 and Otago extended their lead to 274 and set up and a fascinating day tomorrow.