Cricket: Cachopa brothers prove to be quite a catch for dominant Auckland

Auckland Aces Craig Cachopa. Photo / Richard Robinson

The hands of the Cachopa brothers seized control for Auckland in their Plunket Shield clash with Wellington yesterday.

After opting to bowl on the first day at the Basin Reserve, Auckland rolled the hosts for 199 before advancing to 117-2 at stumps.

The Aces look set for a big first-innings lead after their opening-round victory over Northern Districts, and that lead will be courtesy of the Cachopas.

Nine of the 10 Wellington wickets to fall were taken by the three brothers. Wicketkeeper Brad took five catches, Craig three and Carl one. Carl also took two wickets at the bowling crease, although Matt Quinn was the most successful bowler, taking 4-41.

In reply, Craig reached 22 runs before having to retire hurt. Colin Munro (39no) and Dean Bartlett (5no) saw their side through to stumps.

In Dunedin, honours were split between Northern Districts and Otago on a rain-affected day at University Oval.

The visitors reached 188-5 at stumps.

Daniel Flynn (68) and Brad Wilson (61) made half centuries before five Otago bowlers picked up a wicket apiece.

At Hagley Oval, Doug Bracewell took five wickets as Central Districts dismissed Canterbury for 269, Peter Fulton (76) offering the only real resistance. Ryan McCone reduced Central Districts to 40-2 at stumps.