Northern Districts moved to the top of the National Provincial A Tournament points table after a 163-run win over Canterbury at Rangiora’s MainPower Oval.
ND started the day at 85 without loss in their second innings and declared at 263/8, opener Brad Wilson having scored 91, Campbell Merchant 55 and Kane Williamson an unbeaten 68.
This left Canterbury to score 345 off a minimum of 65 overs, and endured a torrid start, falling to 13 for four and 120 for seven at tea.
Michael Davidson, batting at number eight, scored a fighting 69 but Canterbury was dismissed for 181 to lose by 163 runs.
Central Districts drew with Auckland to keep pace with ND at the top of the points table.
CD declared at 131 for six, and Auckland moved to 111 for two before also leaving the crease to set a victory target of 343, or the challenge to bat out the day.
They did the latter, Michael Taiaroa’s 43 not out the top score in a second innings total of 226 for seven.
Elsewhere, Wellington declared on their imposing overnight score of 547 for five against Otago.
Jordan Sheed's century rescued Otago from 17 for three, a knock of 126 backed by Kieran Noema-Barnett (33) and captain Anthony Harris (48).
Otago was all out for 329 with Lee Edwards finishing with 3/64 and Michael Burns 4/62 to give Wellington first innings points.
Wellington 547/5 dec. drew with Otago 329 (Jordan Sheed 126, Kieran Noema Barnett 33, Anthony Harris 48, Lee Edwards 3/64, Michael Burns 4/62)
Auckland 363/9 dec. and 111/2 dec. drew with Central Districts 131/6 dec. and 226/7 (Michael Taiaroa 43*)
Northern Districts 271 and 263/8 dec. (Brad Wilson 91, Kane Williamson 68*, Cameron Merchant 55, Michael Peacock 3/65) beat Canterbury 190 and 181 (Michael Davidson 69, Joseph Yovich 3/37, Dan Robinson 3/37) by 163 runs.
Central Districts 8
Northern Districts 8
Auckland 4
Wellington 2
Otago 2
Canterbury 0
