Game Sitch

• The Auckland Aces got off to a fair start bowling out the Central Districts Stags for 159. It was another fine effort from Matt Quinn who sneered 4 wickets and Michael Bates who picked up 3. However, the Aces ended the day 116/8 with CD likely to get a first innings lead. Doug Bracewell continued his fine form with 3 wickets, plus Ben Wheeler, Kieran Noema-Barnett and Andrew Mathieson chipped in. Rob Nicol is not out on 35, so it's all on him.
• The Northern Districts Knights worked their way to 223/9 despite a fair bit of rain against Wellington thanks to a solid performance from BJ Watling who is not out on 60. There were a few starts from Knights batsmen, but nothing substantial as Brent Arnel and Matt McEwan both picked up 3 wickets for the Firebirds.
• It was a bit wet in Rangiora as well but that didn't stop good old Aaron Redmond hitting 59 for Otago against Canterbury. Redmond's knocked helped the Volts to 117/1, with Michael Bracewell also not out on 32.

Get That Man A Mean Feed

• Matt Quinn continues to take wickets, so he continues to get some olives stuffed with feta to nibble. Same with Doug Bracewell, not sure if they'll appreciate the offer but they're bowling bloody well.
• Our favourite batsmen BJ Watling deserves whatever he wants, consider it a Nichey Niche buffet.
• Aaron Redmond is still playing? Yup he sure is and I'm sure he'll smash down a sloppy tikka masala.

Observations From The Observatory

• Rob O'Donnell came in to the Aces and is a very fine young batsmen, similar to Will Young for the Stags. O'Donnell got a glorious 1, but it's good to see him in the mix.
• The Stags didn't offer much with the bat but their new ball duo - Dougie and Ben Wheeler are good, a poor man's Southee/Boult.
• A few interesting 12th man selections - Brett Randell for Auckland who was the premier quick for the Under 19's most recently, Kyle Jamieson was also a part of that Under 19 side and is a tall medium pacer/batsmen and Peter Younghusband who is the 12th man for Wellington. He fielded for the Black Caps and rose to fame for his cool name.