Plunket Shield leaders Northern Districts' poor record at Seddon Park in Hamilton looks likely to continue after a tough first day against Canterbury yesterday.
Northern, who led the national four-day competition by three points over Auckland going in to the fourth round, haven't won on their unofficial home ground since2002.
Canterbury won the toss and elected to bowl and the decision paid off as they rolled the home side over for 169, which was only helped along by a 10th-wicket partnership of 25 between Graeme Aldridge and Jimmy Baker.
Rookie Cantabrian Matt Henry claimed career-best figures of 5-21 as the 19-year-old tore through the Northern batting line-up, while Willie Lonsdale also claimed 3-38.
Overseas import Hamish Marshall top-scored with 37, while veteran all-rounder Joey Yovich contributed 36 from the unfamiliar position of opener.
