Cricket: Auckland claim bonus points

Photo / Thinkstock

Auckland made an acceptable start in their attempt to climb the Plunket Shield standings, limiting a fast-starting Canterbury for day one honours.

Canterbury were 19 points ahead when the day began and, with a win worth 12, victory would enhance Auckland's chances of claiming a prize they last secured in 2009.

Having restricted the leaders to 255-7 at stumps at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, Auckland have already claimed three bowling bonus points and will have designs on grabbing the fourth today.

It didn't look that way early, as Canterbury's top three all made solid starts after Gareth Hopkins won the toss and elected to bowl. With the new ball seen off, it was left to Auckland's allrounders to make the breakthrough, which duly arrived when Colin Munro trapped Tom Latham in front for 39.

Michael Bates got rid off fellow opener George Worker, before Colin de Grandhomme chimed in with the wickets of Dean Brownlie and Henry Nicholls.

Canterbury never enjoyed another significant partnership, with Brownlie's 41 the top score. De Grandhomme finished as the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3-53.

The hosts will resume today through Rob Nicol (37no) and Todd Astle (21no), with Auckland itching for three quick wickets and a solid effort with the bat.

Elsewhere, weather was the decisive factor in the day's other two games, with rain in Nelson and Wellington forcing abridged innings and early finishes.

Otago and Wellington have the most to gain in this round and either side could seize the competition lead if Canterbury are unable to win, but both teams' bowling attacks were blunted in their brief time in the middle.

After Derek de Boorder won the toss and second-placed Otago elected to bowl at Saxton Oval, just 32 overs of play were possible as one early delay was followed by a more consistent downpour.

Otago started brightly, with James McMillan bowling Jamie How for five in the third over, but Central Districts eventually reached stumps on 93-1.

Conditions weren't much better at Karori Park, where Wellington sent in Northern Districts and reduced the visitors to 169-2 at the close.

After Brad Wilson was bowled by Mark Gillespie for 14, Daniel Flynn made a breezy 70 from 82 balls before being caught behind off James Franklin. Joe Carter (47no) and Daryl Mitchell (20no) were at the crease.