Cricket: Northern cruise to first win

Northern Districts glided to a six-wicket win over Canterbury as the clash of the State Championship cricket also-rans wound up in Christchurch today.

Northern registered their first outright points to improve from sixth to fourth on the standings, leaving Canterbury languishing in last place on just two points through six rounds.

There were few dramas on the final day at QEII Park Village Green as Northern knocked off the remaining 142 runs they needed for victory in 35.1 overs, losing three wickets in the process.

They finished on 173 for four, captain Michael Parlane hitting the winning single in the fourth over after lunch.

Parlane finished on 28 and Joseph Yovich a rapid 29, the pair making sure they wouldn't succumb lbw which was the fate of their four dismissed teammates.

Hamish Marshall resumed on 21 but he was trapped for 28 while opener Brad Wilson advanced from three to 40 to follow up his first innings century.

Canterbury paid the price for inconsistent batting, scoring just 246 in their first innings to concede a 137-run advantage. They collapsed yesterday to be dismissed for 309 after centuries to Michael Papps and Peter Fulton had them sitting pretty at 267 for two.

Northern teenager Kane Williamson grabbed five wickets with his off spin yesterday and contributed 35 with the bat today.

- NZPA