Nicholls ton sets up win for Canty

CANTERBURY have won their first sudden-death match in the Ford Trophy, setting up another one on Wednesday.

They thumped Northern Districts by 168 runs in the oneday competition’s minor semifinal at Cobham Oval in Whangarei yesterday, and will now face the Auckland Aces, who lost to Central Stags in the major semifinal at Pukekura Park in New Plymouth.

Central have been the frontrunners throughout the competition and will host the final next Saturday.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Canterbury made 287, largely on the back of Black Cap Henry Nicholls, who scored 122 off 131 balls.

Nicholls shared in a thirdwicket partnership of 116 with fellow Black Cap Tom Latham, who made 34 of 46.

Andrew Ellis helped Canterbury post a competitive score, smashing 56 off just 41 balls, but they were dismissed inside 50 overs.

Brent Arnel was Northern’s standout bowler, taking figures of 4-45.

Canterbury then made light work of Northern’s batsmen, reducing them to 42-6 in the 16th over.

The hosts showed a bit of fight after that, but could only scratch their way to 119 before being dismissed in the 32nd over.

The wickets were shared around, with Matt Henry taking 3-21, Ed Nuttall 2-11, Kyle Jamieson 2-8 and Tim Johnston 2-42.

Central inserted Auckland in New Plymouth, and it didn’t take long for them to get rewards.

Auckland were 114-7 after 30 overs, with only Glenn Phillips, who made 45, showing any form.

Ben Horne and Tarun Nethula then came together to produce a 105-run partnership in the space of 12 overs, but they only made it to 240 by the time they were dismissed in the 46th over.

Doug Bracewell took 3-60, while Adam Milne had 2-37.

Rain halted Central’s chase early, and their target was reduced to 190 off 32 overs, but they got there in a canter.

Openers George Worker and Ben Smith both made 46, while Jesse Ryder blasted 53 off 34 and finished not out, as Central looked to wrap things up quickly.

They will now have a week to rest up, before the decider, while Auckland will hope to make the most of their second chance. Canterbury 287 all out (Henry Nicholls 122, Andrew Ellis 56, Tom Latham 34; Brent Arnel 4-45) beat Northern Districts 119 all out (Joe Walker 31; Matt Henry 3-21) by 168 runs. Auckland Aces 240 all out (Ben Horne 63, Tarun Nethula 51, Glenn Phillips 45; Doug Bracewell 3-60, Adam Milne 2-37) Central Stags 191-3 (Jesse Ryder 53, Ben Smith 46, George Worker 46)