First, the Shell Trophy (also known as the Plunket Shield), the first-class competition contested by the six major association teams, was becoming expensive to run in its double round robin format.
In 2000–01 the Plunket Shield resumed its place as New Zealand’s only first-class competition, returning to its double round robin format.
Central Conference played seven first-class matches, winning two, drawing two and losing three.
1997–98: Captained by Mark Greatbatch, Central Conference finished third in the first-class competition in 1997–98 with a win (against Bangladesh) a draw and a loss.
[4] Their most successful bowler was Campbell Furlong, with 12 wickets at an average of 18.91, and the best figures were 5 for 42 by Mark Jefferson.