Wellington, March 12 NZPA - Northern Districts underlined why they lead the Plunket Shield cricket competition by dominating Auckland in Whangarei today.

The home side were on top after the first day of the four-day fixture at Cobham Oval, reaching 36 for two at stumps after dismissing Auckland for 226 in their first innings.

Auckland had little to show for their decision to bat first as the Northern Districts bowlers hunted as a pack in the eighth round match to claim the first-day honours in emphatic style.

None of the Auckland batsmen prospered for long, the best of them being Reece Young, who topscored with a neat 50, but he was also responsible for the unnecessary run out of international opener Tim McIntosh.

McIntosh was turned back seeking a second run and never made his ground, departing for 41, calmly accumulated over more than two hours as he set out his stall in preparation for the upcoming test series against Australia.

Colin de Grandhomme made 40 and Anaru Kitchen 32, otherwise Northern Districts were in total command as four of their bowlers picked up two wickets apiece.

Spinner Kane Williamson had figures of two for 11 after collecting some cheap lower order scalps while seamers Joseph Yovich and Brent Arnel took two for 37 and two for 46 respectively and left-arm slow bowler Bruce Martin took two for 44.

Northern Districts lost two wickets before the close, advancing their score to 36 off 18 overs for the cost of BJ Watling and Brad Wilson.

Nightwatchman Martin will resume tomorrow on one alongside Kane Williamson, who has yet to get off the mark.