Maungakaramea's Cody Andrews continues to impress. This time reaching speeds of 140km/h as he once again helped set Northland up with another win, leaving them a chance at winning with one round remaining.
Andrews, 24, returned career best figures of six for 50 for Northland as he helped his sidedefeat Counties Manukau in the Fergus Hickey Brian Dunning two-day competition in Counties.
Andrews' performance will hopefully mean he is right in the running to get a few matches for Northern Districts, Northland coach Stephen Cunis said.
"[Andrews was] head and shoulders above our other seamers," explained Cunis. "They weren't bad, they were steady.
"Cody [Andrews] would've been [bowling at] easily mid-140s. Rory Christopherson [Northland's wicket keeper] has played a lot of cricket, and kept for some quality guys and he reckoned easily 140s. He's really pushing for that Northern Districts team, he's only 24 so he's got plenty of time."
However, Andrews' six-for wasn't enough to restrict Counties' batsmen as they pushed on to score 330 on a bouncy but flat pitch.
Not to be outdone by Andrews, Northland debutant Kyran Dill chipped in with two wickets before being called on as a night watchman after a couple of early wickets.
Northland's in-form Henry Cooper was nicked out early along with Christopherson which left Brad Kneebone and Dill to see out the remainder of day one.
In true night watchmen style, Dill went on to score 82 as he finished off a successful debut.
Northland managed to chase down the 330 with only six wickets lost in 80-odd overs. Northland currently sits second behind Bay of Plenty, by two points, in the Fergus Hickey Brian Dunning two-day competition. However, BoP play Hamilton in the last round which will be a difficult match to get an outright win from.
Northland will play Waikato Valley in two weeks and if Northland can claim first innings points and win outright they will be even on points with BoP. However, because Northland beat BoP earlier in the rounds they will then go top of the table.
