Auckland knocks Central Districts out of Plunket Shield

 Gareth Hopkins went within a boundary of a notable first class landmark as Auckland bludgeoned Central Districts out of Plunket Shield contention on the third day of their lopsided match today.

Hopkins' 201 at Auckland's Colin Maiden Park was four runs short of the highest first class score by a New Zealand wicketkeeper, recorded by Wellington stalwart Ervin McSweeney, whose unbeaten 205 also came against Central, in the 1988/89 season.

The 33-year-old was one of four Aucklanders to raise three figures as they declared at a mammoth 635 for six, holding a first innings lead of 366.

By stumps Central had replied with to 119 for three, still 247 behind and with virtually no hope of the outright win they need to maintain pressure on Plunket Shield leaders Northern Districts. Northern will be crowned champions with a round remaining if Central don't pull off a miracle tomorrow.

Captain Mathew Sinclair was unbeaten on 32 and Brendon Diamanti on 40 while pace man Michael Bates had taken two for 33.

However, it was Hopkins' day, the experienced gloveman becoming the fourth double centurion of the domestic summer after Central's Peter Ingram, Cantabrian Shanan Stewart and Wellington's Luke Woodcock.

His composed innings lasted 7-1/2 hours, featuring 23 fours and offering few glimmers of opportunity for the frustrated Central attack.

It was his 11th time past 100 at first class level and surpassed his previous career best of 175 before he lazily snicked a ball from part-time seamer Brad Patton.

Hopkins shared a 206-run fifth wicket stand with Anaru Kitchen, who was the third of Auckland's four centurions, each progressively more aggressive as the innings marched on.

Opener Richard Jones scored a sedate 123 yesterday while Kitchen's 116 came in four hours and Colin de Grandhomme's unbeaten 106 came at a run-a-minute. It was the fourth first class ton for both Kitchen and de Grandhomme.

Auckland's total was their third-highest, surpassed only by their 693 for nine against Canterbury in 1939/40 and 662 for five against Central two summers ago.

- NZPA