Northern Districts’ bonus-point victory over Central Districts gave them an unassailable lead in the National Provincial A tournament.
Grant Robinson's not out knock of 109, from just 76 balls, put ND on a winning course. CD spinner Tim Lythe took three for 55 and then 38, but CD were all out for 190 in 42.1 overs.
Canterbury’s Lyndon Hoffman struck 126 off 97 balls, but
Ashley Newdick and Stephen Murdoch made three figures as Wellington completed an exciting one-run win over Canterbury at MainPower Oval, Rangiora.
Newdick scored 147 and Murdoch 105 as Wellington posted 322 for four.
In an exciting run chase, opener Lyndon Hoffman lead the way with 126 off 97 balls, putting on 169 runs with Andrew Robertson for the second wicket.
Darren Broom, with 32, and Shanan Stewart (39) continued the momentum and the hosts required 13 runs off the final over to win, but fell just short.
In another high scoring and tight game, Auckland claimed a five-run win over Otago at Lincoln Green.
Auckland batted first, and set their stall out with a century stand between openers Tim McIntosh and Keeley Todd.
Andrew de Boorder and Colin de Grandhomme sustained the momentum with an unbroken fourth-wicket partnership of 108 as their side compiled 322 for three.
Otago were also prolific, but could not grind out victory.
Jordan Sheed top scored with 57 and opener Shaun Haig 51, and although Brendon Domigan and Craig Smith put on an unbeaten 54m they fell just short.
Short scorecards
Wellington 322/4 (Ashley Newdick 147, Stephen Murdoch 105) beat Canterbury 321/5 (Lyndon Hoffman 126, Andrew Robertson 56) by 1 run
Northern Districts 293/6 (Grant Robinson 109*, Tim Lythe 3/55) beat Central Districts 190 (Tim Lythe 38, Jono Boult 3/45) by 103 runs
Auckland 322/3 (Tim McIntosh 66, Keeley Todd 59, Andrew de Boorder 64*, Colin de Grandhomme 68*) beat Otago 317/9 (Shaun Haig 51, Jordan Sheed 57, Brendon Domigan 44*, Anaru Kitchen 3/58) by 5 runs
Points table
(After six rounds)
Northern Districts 26
Wellington 19
Auckland 16
Central Districts 13
Otago 7
Canterbury 0
