State Auckland Aces hit the ground running last week and their momentum didn't slow today as they had the better of State Central Stags in a State Championship match in Napier.
The hosts ended the rain-interrupted opening day of the four-day fixture on 191 for six after the Aces won the toss and inserted them at Nelson Park.
Play did not start until shortly after noon due to morning rain and the batsmen's progress was always circumspect.
Fresh from their outright defeat of reigning champions State Canterbury Wizards last week, Auckland were made to wait for their initial reward but thereafter took wickets at regular intervals.
George Worker and Peter Ingram put on 67 for the opening stand before Worker edged behind after reaching 24.
Ingram fell in a similar manner, also to seamer Andy McKay, for 37 then youngster Brad Patton impressed in just his second first-class match by posting an intelligent half-century.
While captain Mathew Sinclair departed cheaply after chopping the ball on to his stumps and Greg Hay barely troubled the scorers, Patton calmly went about his business.
He hit seven boundaries to reach 57 after 159 minutes at the crease before offering Colin de Grandhomme a return catch.
De Grandhomme, who ended the day with figures of two for 11 off 10 overs, was also involved in the run out of Bevan Griggs before rain forced the players from the field late in the afternoon.
The Stags will resume tomorrow with Tim Weston on 15 and Ewen Thompson on one.
