Tim Seifert scored his highest ever score 167*. Image courtesy of Bruce Lim Photography.

SCORECARD

Northern Districts have registered their first win in the Plunket Shield this season by defeating Otago by 25 runs in a gripping contest played at Molyneux Park in Alexandra. 

Northern Districts skipper Daniel Flynn won the toss and decided to bat first.  The highlight for Northern Districts was a century to wicket keeper Tim Seifert who produced his highest first class score of 167 not out as Northern Districts were dismissed for a 456 in their first innings.  It was a solid all round batting effort by Northern Districts with BJ Watling (56), Anton Devcich (54) and Daryl Mitchell (60) all scoring half centuries while Ish Sodhi also provided valuable support before being dismissed two runs short of a half century.  For Otago the wickets were shared with Anaru Kitchen picking up three wickets while Jacob Duffy, Michael Rae and Michael Rippon contributed with two wickets a piece. 

In reply Otago lost the early wickets of Brad Wilson (0) Mark Rippon (18) and Rob Nicol (0) as veteran seamer Brent Arnel ripped through the top of the Otago batting line up.  Arnel would later finish with the figures of 5 for 76 and he was well supported by leg spinner Ish Sodhi who picked up four wickets.  For Otago the main contributions came from Hamish Rutherford who top scored with 67 and wicket keeper Derek De Border (55) who registered a half century.  Otago were dismissed for 248 in their first innings. 

Northern Districts took a lead of 208 going into their second innings.  Otago bowlers fought back well and managed to take wickets at regular intervals as Northern Districts declared at 135/9 in their second innings with Daryl Mitchell (29) and Daniel Flynn (28) top scoring.  Otago pace bowler Jacob Duffy was the pick of the bowlers taking 5 for 49.  

Otago were left with a target of 345 for victory.  Former Northern Districts turned Otago opener Brad Wilson kept Otago on track after they lost early wickets.   Wilson registered his 14th first class century before being dismissed for 111 with the score at 204 for 6.  A 92 run partnership for 8th wicket between Nathan Smith (30) and Anaru Kitchen who remained 69 not out gave Otago an outside chance of victory before Smith was dismissed.  Ish Sodhi wrapped up the tail by taking the last two wickets and finished the innings with 5 for 124 as Otago were finally dismissed for 318. 

Northern Districts move up to fourth positon on the table with 40 points after five rounds. They now turn their attention to the Ford Trophy facing Wellington Firebirds in the first round of the competition starting on the 3rd of December at Cobham Oval in Whangarei.  

Match report by Adam Bell on behalf of ND Cricket.