Cricket: Auckland joint top of table after fine Cachopa knock

Brad Cachopa. Photo / Paul Estcourt

Defending champions Auckland have kept pace at the top of the table after three rounds of the national domestic 50-over competition.

Yesterday they had a comfortable six-wicket win over Northern Districts at the Bay Oval in Mt Manganui.

The result left them equal-top of the Ford Trophy standings with Otago, although the Southerners have a superior net run rate.

Auckland paced their chase to perfection, led by top-order batsman Brad Cachopa's career-high 91, as they overtook the Knights' 241 with 12 balls to spare.

Best with the ball for Auckland were Andre Adams' 3-35 from 10 overs and Michael Bates' 3-37.

The result dropped Northern to last in the competition, with Wellington ahead of them on run rate.

In Napier, Wellington captain Grant Elliott thought they were in with a sniff but rain again had the final word in their clash with Central Districts at Nelson Park.

The Firebirds were perched precariously on 205-8 after 46 overs with opener Michael Pollard unbeaten on 114 from 137 balls, including eight boundaries and No 10 Scott Kuggeleijn was 12 not out from 11 balls.

But the heavens opened and no further play was possible.

Pollard was the only batsman to show some fire in his belly as the Stags bowlers ripped through the visitors' batting line-up with monotonous regularity.

Canterbury and Otago's match in Rangiora was abandoned because of the weather.

Points after three rounds: Otago 11, Auckland 11, Canterbury 9, Central Districts 4, Wellington 2, Northern Districts 2.