Central Districts hammer Northern Districts

Central Districts hammered Northern Districts by 78 runs in the opening game of the HRV Cup at Seddon Park. Central Districts' win was set up by their batsmen, who posted an imposing 177 in 20 overs. This was followed by an impressive performance from their bowlers, who combined to bowl Northern Districts out for 99.

Northern Districts chose to field after winning the toss and it looked like James Marshall had made the right decision when Central Districts were reduced to 25 for 3 in the fourth over. England imports Michael Yardy (32) and Ian Blackwell (45) then started the recovery for Central Districts, adding 76 for the fourth wicket off 54 balls. Kieran Noema-Barnett and Kruger van Wyk provided a near-perfect finish with an unbeaten 73-run sixth-wicket partnership off just 44 balls.

Faced with a required-rate of close to seven an over, Northern Districts started shakily, losing opener Jono Boult in the second over. Their chase never got going after that, as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Only two batsmen - Brad Hodge and BJ Watling - reached double figures. It was a collective bowling effort from Central Districts - all six bowlers used were among the wickets - with Michael Mason the most successful bowler with figures of 3 for 17.