Auckland Aces 253-4 (Jeet Raval 69, Martin Guptill 74, Anaru Kitchen 59*), Devon Hotel
Central Stags 402-7d (Jamie How 64, Carl Cachopa 59, Will Young 87, Greg Hay 77).
After days one and two were lost to rain, the Aces and Stags used the time that was left to get time in the middle for their batsmen. The Stags batted all day on day three. Will Young (87) and Greg Hay (77) were unhurried in reaching their side's top scores, while Michael Bates (3-61) was the only Auckland bowler to make any headway for the hosts.
Day four was interrupted by rain early also, but when Auckland did get on, their batsmen looked equally at home in the middle, with Martin Guptill continuing his comeback with 74. The match ended in the inevitable draw that was not much use to either side for Plunket Shield points - they sit fifth and sixth on the log locked on 14 points each, somewhat adrift of the top four, and will be looking to turn things around next week.
Central's Will Young.
The Aces celebrate a wicket.
Mitchell McClenaghan
Michael Bates.
Jamie How.
Ben Smith.
Photos: www.photosport.co.nz
