Wellington take comfortable win over Northern Districts

In a major form reversal for both sides, Wellington have comprehensively beaten Northern Districts today at a sun-drenched Basin Reserve.

Wellington coach Vaughn Johnson had promised that a different Wellington team than the one that played so poorly against Central Districts on Monday would turn up today and he was proved right, as Wellington strangled the ND batting, which was woeful at times, to record an easy 67-run win.

Wellington have also secured a bonus point, and after three rounds of the State Shield are now level pegging with ND on nine points in the top half of the points table.

Wellington's win was set up with an excellent century partnership between Grant Donaldson (75) and Matthew Walker (62). After a cautious start following the early losses of Chris Nevin, Neal Parlane and Richard Jones, the middle-order pair played some sublime cricket in the final 15 overs to give Wellington a decent score to defend.

Bruce Martin (one for 30) and Joseph Yovich (three for 40) were the pick of the ND bowlers. Scott Styris (one for 41) also bowled well at times, dismissing Matthew Bell (30) with some intelligent bowling.

ND's run chase never really got going. With James Marshall's dismissal in the first over of the match they were always struggling. Styris (22) looked good, but his dismissal straight after drinks sealed his side's demise. Matthew Hart (53) played well, but his rearguard action was never enough as regular wickets fell around him.

Wellington's bowlers, particularly James Franklin (none for 17 from 10 overs) and Ash Turner (two for 21 from eight overs) were demanding. Mark Gillespie (four for 32 off eight overs) was rewarded for some lively bowling.

Nevin was also outstanding behind the stumps. His four catches were just reward for a tidy day behind the stumps.