Canty canter in Ford Trophy final
Canterbury have won the Ford Trophy for the first time since the 2016-17 season, defeating Northern Districts by eight wickets at Hagley Oval in Christchurch last night.
Henry Nicholls steered Canterbury to the victory with a superb unbeaten knock of 127, with Northern Districts’ bowling attack toothless as it struggled to put any pressure on the Canterbury batsmen.
Northern Districts made 289-7 after their 50 overs, while in reply Canterbury reached the required mark with five overs to spare. Having won the toss, Northern Districts made a slow start, before Jeet Raval was caught and bowled in a stunning piece of individual play by Will Williams for five.
After that, Katene Clarke and Joe Carter settled in to form a handy partnership. Clarke scored 82 from 104 balls, while the Northern Districts captain made it to 70 from 82 balls.
After they fell, Henry Cooper (20) and BJ Watling (31) both chipped in with handy, but not decisive knocks, while this was followed by a typically swashbuckling innings from Colin de Grandhomme, who scored 57 runs from just 37 deliveries, including five fours and two sixes.
Canterbury’s opening batsmen, Nicholls and Chad Bowes were aggressive from the outset on the batter-friendly
surface.
Ken McClure and Nicholls had no interest at reaching the target at a sedate pace, Nicholls hoisting his century with a straight drive off a delivery from Walker, after 112 balls.
McClure scored 20 runs off an over from Scott Kuggeleijn as the target came in sight,