Auckland Aces cruised to a seven-wicket win over Otago Volts today as the Men's One-Day competition moved into its final stages.
With one round remaining after today's matches, Auckland leap-frogged Otago into second place, anchored by Black Caps test opener Tim McIntosh's 17th first-class century.
McIntosh's unbeaten 121 came at a good clip, taking 132 balls and including nine fours and two sixes as Auckland lost only three wickets in chasing down Otago's 273 for six with nine balls to spare.
McIntosh had plenty of support, wicketkeeper-captain Gareth Hopkins chipping in with 57 from 62 balls and Greg Todd finishing off with 47 not out off 50.
Otago made an an inauspicious start after winning the toss as 19-year-old opener Michael Bracewell, in just his seventh one-day match, lasted barely five overs before he became Daryl Tuffey's first victim with the score on 15.
Tuffey struck again seven balls later, removing Aaron Redmond on eight for the addition of just one further run, eventually finishing with figures of 2-41 off his 10 overs.
Andre Adams kept the pressure on as the 13th over drew to a close, Otago captain Craig Cumming caught by Anaru Kitchen off Adams for 10.
But Neil Broom showed real application in retrieving the innings, batting through for his second consecutive one-day century after last week's 123 against Northern Districts.
He finished on an unbeaten 116 from 129 balls, including six fours and two sixes.
So although Auckland were able to chip away with three late wickets -- Adams finished with 3-55 -- Otago managed a competitive total.
But despite losing opener Lou Vincent early -- bowled by Neil Wagner for eight in the second over -- Auckland looked untroubled in reaching 274 for six with an over and a half to spare.
NZPA
