**Northern Districts Triumph Over Central Districts by 8 Runs in Ford Trophy Thriller**
In a high-scoring match at New Plymouth on October 23, 2024, Northern Districts secured a thrilling 8-run victory over Central Districts in Match 5 of The Ford Trophy.
**Northern Districts Batting Highlights**
Batting first, Northern Districts posted an imposing total of 352 runs in 44 overs. **Tim Seifert** led the charge with a magnificent century, scoring 102 off 87 balls at a strike rate of 117.24, hitting 4 fours and 8 sixes. **Henry Cooper** was equally impressive, smashing 92 off just 61 deliveries, with 9 fours and 6 sixes, maintaining a strike rate of 150.81. **Jeet Raval** provided a rapid-fire contribution, scoring 47 off 26 balls at a strike rate of 180.76, including 5 boundaries and 2 sixes. **Brett Hampton** added a quick 31 off 18 balls, blasting 4 sixes and finishing with a strike rate of 172.22.
**Central Districts Bowling Highlights**
**Blair Tickner** was the most successful bowler for Central Districts, taking 3 wickets for 59 runs in his 9 overs at an economy rate of 6.55. **Raymond Toole** claimed 2 wickets for 45 runs in 6 overs, while **William Clark** took 2 wickets, conceding 58 runs in 7 overs with an economy rate of 8.28.
**Central Districts Batting Highlights**
In reply, Central Districts came agonizingly close to chasing down the target, finishing at 344/8 in 44 overs, falling just 8 runs short. **Brad Schmulian** was the standout performer with a brilliant 126 off 101 balls, including 12 fours and 4 sixes, scoring at a strike rate of 124.75. **Jack Boyle** played a fine knock, scoring 104 off 101 balls, hitting 8 boundaries and 4 sixes with a strike rate of 105.05. **Tom Bruce** played a blistering cameo, smashing 47 off just 21 balls with 3 fours and 4 sixes, boasting a strike rate of 223.80.
**Northern Districts Bowling Highlights**
**Kristian Clarke** was the pick of the Northern Districts bowlers, taking 2 wickets for 63 runs in his 9 overs at an economy rate of 7.00. **Brett Hampton** also took 2 wickets, conceding 57 runs in his 9 overs with an economy rate of 6.33. Though Northern Districts’ bowlers were expensive, they managed to hold their nerve, with **Frederick Walker** being the most costly, conceding 82 runs in 8 overs without taking one wicket.
Northern Districts’ strong batting display and timely wickets proved decisive in a thrilling contest, securing a hard-fought 8-run victory over Central Districts.
Now Northern Districts has 4 points from two matches and Central Districts has lost both matches and are pointless .
