Otago resumed on 269 for four and declared at 360 for seven with a small first-innings lead of 25 runs. Auckland is 178 for three in reply and leads by 153 runs.
The evening session was not exactly riveting viewing for anyone still at the University Oval that late in the day. The visiting side added just 75 runs from 36 overs - that is slightly more than two runs an over.
Robbie O'Donnell had painstakingly inched his way to 41 from 139 balls with support from Donovan Grobbelaar on 23 from 85 deliveries. The partnership is worth 53 from 174 balls. It was stonewalling at its best.''
I think you have to give a little bit of credit to Otago,'' Auckland coach Matt Horne said.''
I thought they bowled reasonably well. But obviously guys have got in and got out which has been disappointing.''
The difference being Otago had a guy that went on and got a hundred. That created the opportunity for guys to play a bit more expansively.''
We were put under a bit of pressure and the guys got through it as best as they could. The scoring rate is where it is at.''
Auckland captain Rob Nicol was felled by a Neil Wagner bouncer in the 17th over and retired hurt. He was attended to by medical staff but Horne said Nicol would likely bat today if required.
Wagner continued to attack through short-pitched bowling, employing a leg slip and a short leg during his spells.
Horne said he had no problem with the tactic.''
Let's be honest. It has been a flattish surface and, at times, the batting hasn't been as good as it could have. At the same time, it is how you create 20 wickets and if that is the means, then I have no issue with that at all.''
Earlier, Michael Bracewell's dismissal put a dent in Otago's plan to pile on quick runs. The powerful left-hander was caught in the deep when he tried to sweep Nicol for six.
That brought new cap Josh Finnie to the wicket. The 18-year-old looked comfortable as he forged a useful 45-run partnership with Derek de Boorder which was broken following the introduction of the new ball.
Left-armer Michael Bates got the ball to swing back in and trapped de Boorder lbw for 42. Finnie, who batted nicely for his 29, was also undone by the new cherry, this time by Matt Quinn.
Quinn did not have to wait long for another. He removed Wagner with one which swung, nipped back and crashed into the top of off stump.
Wagner's departure prompted Otago's declaration which left Auckland with a difficult five overs to negotiate before lunch.
Jeet Raval and Anaru Kitchen were up to the challenge but the breakthrough came shortly after the interval. Raval (eight) tried to cut a delivery from Jacob Duffy which climbed on him and connected with the top edge of his bat.
Wagner should have claimed Robbie O'Donnell's wicket when he fended a short delivery straight to Bracewell in the gully on six. But Bracewell fumbled and O'Donnell had another life when he nicked a no ball through to the keeper moments later.
Anaru Kitchen (63), normally a free-flowing batsman, played within himself. He was strong off his pads and whacked one delivery from Craig Smith backward of square for six. But having done a lot of hard work, he nicked a legside delivery from Finnie.
Wellington climbed two spots to fourth place following its three-wicket win against Central Districts in New Plymouth yesterday.
Wellington resumed on 48 for one needing a further 192 runs to clinch the outright victory. Stephen Murdoch anchored the chase with 78, while Deepak Joon scored 50 at the top.
Canterbury captain Peter Fulton scored an undefeated 123 to help his side post 338 for six declared. Set 486 for victory, Northern Districts had slumped to 48 for five at stumps on day three at Hagley Oval. Matt Henry took three for 15 and Edward Nuttall two for 17.
