20 Dec 2015

Auckland on top in Plunket Shield

6:52 pm on 20 December 2015

Just three points separate the top three first-class domestic cricket teams in the country at the conclusion of round three of the Plunket Shield, with Auckland holding onto top spot with a draw while Wellington and Canterbury took outright wins.

Peter Fulton became Canterbury's most capped first class cricketer in the match, playing in his 104th match for the association overtaking Paul McEwan. Photo: Joseph Johnson / www.photosport.nz

Peter Fulton became Canterbury's most capped first class cricketer in the match against Central Photo: Photosport

The Aucklanders lead with 42 points from Wellington on 41 and Canterbury 40.

Auckland drew with Northern Districts despite Scott Kuggeleijn's unbeaten 104 for the Knights at Eden Park, his second first-class century.

Auckland put on 253 for seven as they chased 376 for an unlikely victory, but the Aces' first innings points were enough to edge Wellington for top spot on the ladder.

The Firebirds beat Otago by 92 runs at the Basin Reserve. Chasing 355 after Wellingtonians' big 305 for four declared, the Volts were bowled out for 262 with Jeetan Patel claiming four wickets for 77.

Peter Fulton became Canterbury's most capped first class cricketer in the match

Champions Canterbury thrashed Central Districts by 161 runs in Rangiora. Set 386 to win after the Cantabrians were all out for 310, Central were bowled out for 224 with Todd Astle's five-wicket bag for just 50 helped out by Matt Henry's three for 52.

Peter Fulton became Canterbury's most capped first class cricketer, the former Black Caps opener playing in his 104th first class match for the association.

Fulton overtook Paul McEwan.