Cricket: Central win first game of the season

Mathew Sinclair, pictured, and Will Young did the damage at the top of the order as they put on 111 for the second wicket in just 10.4 overs. Photo / APN

A bridal party turned up at Pukekura Park today for their wedding photos and they would have also seen Central Districts claim their first win of the HRV Cup Twenty20 competition with a 43-run defeat of Northern Districts.

It was not a result many would have predicted beforehand with Northern Districts sitting on top of the table after four wins from five games but Central Districts dominated the match thanks to some quality top-order batting and clinical bowling.

They posted 186 for four in their 20 overs and then skittled Northern for 143 in their reply.

Mathew Sinclair (71 off 52) and Will Young (57 off 29) did the damage at the top of the order as they put on 111 for the second wicket in just 10.4 overs.

Sinclair smacked three consecutive sixes off English import Steven Croft but went out soon after looking for lusty blow and Young fell the following ball to the bowling of Anton Devcich. The Northern attack did well to restrict the scoring when a big total looked on the cards but it still proved too much.

The visitors' reply got off to a bad start, as they slumped to 11-2 inside two overs, and they never really recovered. Scott Styris continued his rich vein of form, striking 77 off 47 balls, including six fours and five sixes, but no one could stick around long enough at the other end and he was eventually run out trying to get his side home.

The result means Northern and Wellington remain on top with 16 points but opens the door for Otago, who are in third on 12 points but with two games in hand. Otago take on Auckland in Queenstown on Monday.