After winning the toss on day one of the Plunket Shield match-up, the Auckland Aces decided to bowl first on a track that looked to have plenty for both batsmen and bowlers.

As the Sky City Northern Knights opening pair of skipper Daniel Flynn and Joe Carter strode to the crease, few would have imagined the non-stop action where 23 wickets fell in the days play.

The opening pair were gone with just eight runs on the board, before Bharat Popili steadied to ship to top score with 32 runs from 81 balls.

The home side were 59/3 at lunch, with wickets continuing to fall in the early afternoon session.

Knights number seven batsman, Tin Seifert, dug in to post 25 runs, with the ND team in real trouble at 105/7, when Seifert departed the crease.

The end came in the 48th over with the Northern Knights dismissed for 124.

Michael Bates was the best of the Aces bowling attack, taking four wickets for 29 runs with Colin Munro and Mitchell McClenaghan grabbing two wickets apiece.

The mayhem continued in the Auckland sides turn at bat, with the visitors losing their first wicket with just a solitary run on the board.

The Northern Knights well and truly held the momentum in the Auckland turn at bat when they had the visitors six down with just 37 runs on the board.

In spite of a fighting knock from Mitchell McClenaghan, who top scored with 20, the Aces were removed for 98 to hand the ND team a 26 run first innings advantage.

Scott Kuggelijn was in outstanding form taking five wickets for 32 runs with James Baker finishing with 4/44.

Late on day one, the Knights returned to the batting crease and were 39/3 when stumps were pulled on the first day of a dramatic Plunket Shield encounter.

Plunket Shield @ Bay Oval Mount Maunganui

Sky City Northern Knights 124 (Bharat Popli 32, Tim Siefert 25; Michael Bates 4/29, Colin Munro 2/17, Mitchell McClenaghan 2/46) & 39/3

Auckland Aces 98 (Mitchell McClenaghan 20; Scott Kuggelijn 5/32, James Baker 4/44