Wellington, Nov 25 NZPA - Auckland refused to be intimidated by Canterbury's three centuries and a mammoth first innings total in their Plunket Shield four-day cricket match in Christchurch today.

On a Queen Elizabeth 2 pitch which held few surprises, Auckland finished the day on 157 for two in a game which looks destined for a draw.

Canterbury batted until after lunch and were all out for 540, with former New Zealand international Chris Harris adding the third century of the match before he was trapped in front by Michael Bates on 105.

It was the 40-year-old allrounder's 15th first class century and, in tandem with useful lower-order contributions from Brandon Hiini (64 not out) and Andy Ellis (58), looked to have put Canterbury in the box seat.

Yesterday, centuries from Michael Papps (107) and Johann Myburgh (120) had seen the southerners through to 368 for six overnight.

However, Auckland's former English international Ravi Bopara exercised commendable patience in playing the anchor role for Auckland today after they lost opener Reece Young for 46 with the score on 69.

Bopara, who also picked up 3 for 109 off 31 overs yesterday, finished on a sedate 61 off 154 balls as he looks to regain form and force his way back into the England side.

He has played 10 tests for England, averaging 33.46, and 50 one-day internationals, but was dropped after losing his form during the Ashes series against Australia.

The only other Auckland wicket to fall was that of Anaru Kitchen, who was caught by Harris off part-time bowler Rob Nicol for 30. That brought the experienced Scott Styris to the wicket, and he looked comfortable in joining Bopara to see out the last 12 overs until stumps.