Matthew Bacon. Photo: photosport
Northern Districts, Canterbury and Otago have notched opening-round wins, all through batting first in the Ford Trophy men's one-day cricket championship.
Otago pace ball bowler Matthew Bacon was a standout performer with the ball, taking List A career-best figures of 5-38 as Auckland's run chase crumbled late on to be dismissed for 260 in the 45th over, responding to the home side's 302-6 in Invercargill.
Otago's big score was built on a maiden List A century to Dale Phillips, whose 107 off 99 balls was supported by 51 from Thorn Parkes.
William O'Donnell top-scored with 83 for Auckland.
Defending champions Central Districts also came up short in Nelson, restricted to 244-8 in response to Northern Districts' 272-7.
The highlight was 96 Northern's former test opener Jeet Raval, batting in the middle order, while Dane Cleaver scored 93 for the hosts.
In Christchurch, pace bowler Adam Milne's 5-24 wasn't enough as his Wellington side lost by 63 runs to Canterbury in a low-scoring affair.
Wicketkeeper Mitch Hay top-scored with 75 as Canterbury posted 220 before Wellington lost their last nine wickets for 66 runs as Michael Rippon and Cam Paul took three wickets each.
