Adams sinks Wellington

Wellington 427 and 107 (Adams 6-25) lost to Auckland 328 and 210 for 4 (L Vincent 53*, J Patel 3 for 65) by 6 wickets
Scorecard

Andre Adams unleashed a career-best bowling performance to take 6 for 25 as Wellington plummeted 107 all out on the fourth morning of their State Championship match at Eden Park today. The win kept Auckland squarely on top of the Championship ladder, the only points they have conceded in four rounds being the first innings points in this match to Wellington.

Adams finished the match with 10 wickets for 118 runs, his first 10-wicket haul, and fired himself back into international consideration with Jacob Oram having suffered a back strain that may be a stress fracture.

Wellington had no response to his assault and Auckland, instead of facing a potential 300-plus run chase needed only to score 207 for victory. Neal Parlane's 41 was the only score of note in a sorry Wellington effort which, as defending champion, highlighted the hold Auckland have taken on the championship this year.

In their quest for runs, Matt Horne was to the fore again with 75 before he was caught behind by Iain O'Brien. But Lou Vincent and Aaron Barnes steadied the innings and took the side through to a comfortable victory. While Barnes was dismissed just before the win was recorded, his 28 backed Vincent's patient 53 in 144 minutes, and it was left for Tama Canning to hit one six in his eight to see Auckland home by six wickets.

Jayesh Patel was the main source of concern for the Auckland batsmen as he took 3 for 65. But the final target was too few for Wellington to be truly able to apply the pressure and Auckland confirmed their status as the front runners in the championship this year.