Despite a record breaking opening partnership by Daniel Flynn and Henry Cooper, the round seven Plunket Shield match between Northern Districts and Canterbury played at Cobham Oval was drawn with Northern Districts taking first innings points. 

Canterbury captain Andrew Ellis won the toss and decided to bat first.  Northern Districts made early inroads into the top order with Canterbury at one stage 57 for 4.  Top scorer Michael Pollard (48) and Andrew Ellis (30) combined for a 58 run partnership to get the Canterbury innings back on track before Ellis was caught and bowled from the bowling of Joe Walker.  When Blake Coburn was dismissed without scoring from bowling of inform seamer James Baker, Canterbury had slumped to 139 for 9.  Wicket Keeper Cameron Fletcher (41*) and Andrew Hazeldine (26) combined for a 10th wicket partnership of 54 as Canterbury were dismissed for 193.  The star for Northern Districts was James Baker who picked up 5 for 52 while Zak Gibson claimed three wickets. 

In reply Northern Districts Captain Daniel Flynn and Henry Cooper combined for an opening partnership of 278 which broke the previous 1st wicket record of 274 by BJ Watling and Brad Wilson in 2011.  Flynn registered his 21st first class century and once he reached his century he increased the tempo before being dismissed for 157 off 172 balls.  Cooper (137) went on to register his second first class century.  After he was dismissed by Andrew Ellis, Bharat Popli (65*) and Dean Brownlie (30) continued the momentum created by the opening partnership.  Northern Districts declared with the score at 409 for 4 in only 75 overs.

Canterbury started their second innings 216 runs in deficit.  Canterbury opening batsman got off to a good start before Leo Carter (15) was dismissed by Joe Walker with the score at 72.  Chad Bowes (93) was looking in ominous form before being dismissed by Daryl Mitchell seven runs short of a century.  The match ended with Canterbury 142 for 2 after inclement weather ensured no play was possible on the final day. 

Northern Districts remain in fourth place on the Plunket Shield table with 53 points.  They now face the Otago Volts in the next round of the competition starting on the 17th of March from Cobham Oval in Whangarei.  

Match report courtesy of Adam Bell on behalf of ND Cricket.