Northern Districts stamped their season-long authority on the domestic cricket season by claiming the Plunket Shield first-class prize yesterday.
The way to their first four-day crown in three summers was cleared yesterday morning when Auckland scooped first innings points off Northern's closest challenger, Canterbury.
Holding an eight-point lead over Canterbury heading into the final round of matches, Northern could be denied only if they failed to score a point in their game against Central Districts in Napier and Canterbury secured maximum points in Auckland.
But Auckland, resuming their first innings yesterday morning on 185 for four, eased past the 203 Canterbury posted on Monday at Colin Maiden Park in Auckland, claiming first innings points against Canterbury.
It is the first time Northern, who also took out the national one-day title, have won two trophies in a season and coach Grant Bradburn reckons it won't be the last, based on the progress made this season.
"The most pleasing thing is we've created a lot of depth along the way. We've now genuinely got 20 guys who can step up and that all bodes well for a healthy future," Bradburn said.
"Management and senior players here have talked a lot about not just wanting to have a successful one or two seasons, it's a matter of creating a dynasty where success becomes commonplace."
Northern resumed on 75 for four at Napier yesterday, in reply to Central's first innings of 217.
James Marshall departed after adding just 13 runs to his overnight score of one but Brad Wilson, eight not out overnight, posted 30, all rounder Joseph Yovich anchored the innings with a pedestrian 52 off 116 balls while wicketkeeper Peter McGlashan crafted a breezy 115 off 135 balls.
Bowler Jono Boult blasted eight boundaries in a smart 45 off 58 balls as Northern scored 342.
At stumps, Central were making a fight of it for the match win. Former internationals Peter Ingram, 87 not out, and Jamie How, with an unbeaten 62, had put on 152 in an unbroken partnership for the first wicket to put their side 27 runs ahead.
In the match at Auckland, the home side scored 352 all out.
Andrew de Boorder pushed his overnight score of 24 to 91 before giving Brandon Hiini a catch off a Ryan McCone delivery.
All-rounder Anaru Kitchen whipped up a brisk 62 off 77 balls while Canterbury bowler Todd Astle was outstanding, taking six for 103 off 35 overs.
At stumps, Canterbury were 138 for one in their second innings, still 11 runs in deficit.
At the Basin Reserve in the capital, Otago had their backs to the wall. They were 187 for nine in their first innings at stumps, chasing Wellington's 389.
Wellington resumed their first innings yesterday morning at 328 for six with all eyes on their all rounder Luke Woodcock.
Woodcock started the day on 44 overnight, needing a further 41 runs to join a select band of batsmen, such as Martin Crowe, Graeme Hick, Jeff Crowe, Glenn Turner and Michael Papps, to have scored 1000 runs in a domestic season.
It was not the Otago bowlers who spoiled Woodcock's party - it was his fellow batsmen. Wellington's last four wickets went for 61 runs, leaving Woodcock stranded on 71 not out, just 14 runs short of the landmark.NZPA
ND want more after Plunket Shield win
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