A Henry Nicholls century has guided Canterbury to a convincing 168 run win and ending Northern Districts Ford Trophy campaign. 

Earlier in the day Canterbury Captain Andrew Ellis elected to bat first.  In-form seamer Brent Arnel continued his good form by removing both openers Michael Davidson (22) and Michael Pollard without scoring.  A fine 116 run partnership for the 3rd wicket between Henry Nicholls and Tom Latham (34) got the Canterbury innings back on track before Latham was dismissed by Joe Walker.  After the dismissal of Cole McConchie (9), Nicholls and Ellis (50) continued the momentum for the Canterbury.  Nicholls would go on to register his 3rd List A century before being dismissed caught and bowled by Daryl Mitchell for 122. 

Northern Districts were able to slow down the flow of runs in the final overs as Canterbury lost their last 5 wickets for just 53 runs.   Canterbury were finally dismissed for 287 in the 50th over.   Arnel was the pick of the bowlers with 4 for 43 while Daryl Mitchell picked up three wickets. 

Canterbury Seamer Ed Nuttall made early in-roads into the Northern Districts top order removing BJ Watling (6) and Nick Kelly (3).  When Dean Brownlie was trapped LBW off the bowling of Matt Henry without scoring, Northern Districts were reeling at 18 for 3 in the 7th over.  

Northern Districts would lose a succession of wickets and when Ben Hampton (16) was dismissed by spinner Tim Johnson they were in deep trouble at 76 for 7. 

Scott Kuggeleijn (25) and Joe Walker (31*) provided some lower order resistance.   When Brent Arnel was dismissed by Henry without scoring Northern Districts were finally dismissed for 119 in the 32nd over.  Matt Henry was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 21 while Kyle Jamieson and Ed Nuttall both contributed with two wickets apiece. 

Northern Districts have now been eliminated from the Ford Trophy competition and will now turn their attention to the Plunket Shield.  They play Auckland at Eden Park outer oval in Auckland starting on the 1st of March.  

Match report courtesy of Adam Bell.