Plunket Shield: Henry Cooper brings up third domestic 50

Whangarei's Henry Cooper struck a patient 60 for Northern Districts in their Plunket Shield clash against Auckland. Photo / Photosport.nz

Henry Cooper brought up his third first class half century to help Northern Districts out of a spot of bother against Auckland.

Opening the batting, Cooper survived an onslaught from the Auckland attack as he and Daniel Flynn made a sedate start to the innings at Eden Park's Outer Oval.

Flynn was the first to go, caught at point for 16 off the bowling of debutant Jamie Brown.

Bharat Popli was gone shortly after for just two, while Dean Brownlie came in and scored a brisk 17.

At 70/2, Northern Districts were in a solid position. However an inspired spell from Matt McEwen swung momentum back to Auckland.

He removed Brownlie with the last ball of the 26th over before taking the prized scalp of Black Caps wicketkeeper BJ Watling (0) with the first ball of his next over.

McEwen completed the hat-trick when Daryl Mitchell edged one through to keeper Ben Horne for a golden duck.

Tim Seifert came to the crease and he and Cooper rebuilt the innings at a good clip.

Cooper looked assured on a pitch where he has had a lot of success. His last first class outing at Eden Park Outer Oval reaped him his maiden first class century (101) and a second innings 83.

He brought up his half-century off 119 balls.

Cooper was eventually dismissed for 60, caught behind off McEwen. He faced 143 balls and struck nine boundaries.

Northern Districts were 218/7 at tea on day two, 121 runs behind Auckland's effort of 339.