The Auckland Aces dominated the Central Stags with both bat and ball in today's 2018 Ford Trophy Grand Final at New Plymouth's Pukekura Park to claim their first national one-day championship in six seasons.
Scorecard
Aces opening batsman Glenn Phillips (63) was the only player to reach a half century in the match as the visiting side chased down their target of 198 with more than 17 overs to spare.
Quick Lockie Ferguson (3-28) and part-time off-spinner Mark Chapman (3-41) picked up a three-for each, but with outstanding figures of 10-3-24-2 it was veteran leg-spinner Tarun Nethula who turned the screws on the hosts, who had chosen to bat first on a slow deck at their home ground.
The Aces are only side to have defeated the Central Stags this season, in the first round and in today's Grand Final, when it mattered most - claiming the $60,000 prizemoney.
2016/17 Canterbury (defeated Wellington Firebirds at Rangiora)
2015/16 Central Stags (defeated Canterbury at Pukekura Park)
2014/15 Central Stags (defeated Auckland Aces at Colin Maiden Park)
2013/14 Wellington Firebirds (defeated Northern Districts at Bay Oval)
2012/13 Auckland Aces (defeated Canterbury at Eden Park Outer Oval)
2011/12 Central Stags (defeated Auckland Aces at Pukekura Park)
2010/11 Auckland Aces (defeated Canterbury at Queen Elizabeth II Park, Christchurch)
2009/10 Northern Districts (defeated Auckland Aces at Colin Maiden Park)
2008/09 Northern Districts (defeated Otago Volts at Seddon Park)
