Day four: Auckland Aces 310-8 and 467 all out drew with the Otago Volts 436 all out.
Gareth Hopkins scored a century as the Aces proved immovable at Eden Park's Outer Oval. They scored 135 for three wickets on the last day, and the match was called a draw at tea.
The Aces dug in on the last day, finishing 310-8, with Gareth Hopkins making the most of the great batting conditions to finish not out on 116 from 237 balls. He took most of the strike on offer on the day, with his partners not sticking around for anything substantial, but it was testament to his ability to work the strike that the Aces batted two sessions.
The Volts bowlers figures reflected the dominance of the bat, but Nick Beard wound up with 4-94 at the close. The result consolidates the Volts position in second, but will not do much to help the Aces cause this season.
Day three: Auckland Aces 175-5 and 467 all out lead Otago Volts 436 all out by 206 runs.
The run fest continued on day three, with Brad Rodden bringing up his side's second century with a patient 118 from 280 balls. Sam Wells was also happy to dig in with 79 from 164 balls, as the Volt's innings ended 31 runs short of Auckland's. Bhupinder Singh ended with four wickets, including Rodden's.
Otago were able to dismiss both the Aces openers cheaply, but this time Craig Cachopa was the man to stand up with 70 runs - Munro picked up where he left off in the first innings but was caught by Michael Bracewell from Mark Craig for 49 just when he looked set to really get going.
The Aces lead by 206 with five wickets in hand - with fine weather forecast and good batting conditions set to continue, we could be in for an exciting finish on day four.
Day two: Auckland Aces 467 all out lead Otago Volts 280-4 by 187 runs.
The Otago Volts made steady inroads into the Auckland Aces lead on day two, after Michel Bates left stranded on 48 not out in the morning session. BLACKCAPS opener Hamish Rutherford was in fine touch, scoring a run a ball ton before being caught and bowled by Bruce Martin on 108, who also picked up Aaron Redmond and Michael Bracewell's wickets on day two.
Day one: Auckland Aces 400-7.
Colin Munro thrilled on day one, his 156 from 141 balls as entertaining as it was thrilling, with all his shots on display. Anaru Kitchen was steady at the top of the order, reaching 64 from 11 balls, with Colin de Grandhomme also contributing 83 from 107. Neil Wagner was the most successful bowler for the Volts, helping limit even more damage by grabbing Craig Cachopa, Munro and de Grandhomme.
