In domestic cricket's Plunket Shield, the Auckland Aces are in the box seat after three days' play at Mount Maunganui

Hosts Northern Districts need another 411 runs for victory ... they'll resume on 99 without loss.

The Central Stags are also up against it in their rain-affected match in Wellington, where the Firebirds lead by 360 runs.

Wellington will resume their second innings on 124 for four.

And Otago also need a big total for an unlikely win at home to Canterbury, they'll resume their second innings on 18 for none, chasing 365 more runs.