For a team to win by scoring 66 more in the fourth innings than the next highest total in the match is a rare event, but that is what Central Districts achieved against Northern Districts at McLean Park, Napier today.

They did it with something to spare in the end, winning by six wickets with more than 20 overs to spare thanks to a thrilling and violent innings from their captain, Craig Spearman.

The tempo of the match changed from dead slow to lightening quick and back again several times. It was a game that either side could have taken hold of at various stages, but that remained in the balance until Spearman took over.

His 90 took 81 balls and included 11 fours and five sixes, the biggest of which sent the ball over the McKenzie Stand and out of the ground, off Yovich. Spearman took on each of the Northern bowlers in turn, with the same degree of contemptuous aggression. Joseph Yovich suffered more than most. The match was won when his recall was greeted with an upward gear change by Spearman.

There are few players in New Zealand who can destroy an attack in this manner. Watching Spearman in this mood makes you wonder why he is not an entrenched member of the national squad.

Opening batsman David Kelly's contribution to Central's win was just as vital. He gave solid foundation to the innings with 71. This was an outstanding effort from a batsman whose form had deserted him before this game.

Glen Sulzberger also played a supporting role to perfection. He and Spearman put on 135 in 21.5 overs at a strike rate of 6.18 for the fourth wicket.

Northern suffered the important - probably decisive - loss of Simon Doull before play began. He received a knock on the knee during his whirlwind fifty yesterday and could take no part in proceedings. Doull will probably miss Northern's fixture at Whangarei next week.

With Joseph Yovich used only in short spells, possibly an after effect of his marathon stint on the second day, the Northern bowling resources were severely depleted.

Both Martin and Bradburn bowled tidily, but there was little help for the spinners in a pitch that seemed to get flatter as the game wore on. Most of the terrors that it appeared to hold on the first two days were in the minds of the batsmen, rather than in evidence on the cut strip.

The loss is a blow to Northern's title aspirations, though how much so depends upon other results. Earlier in the game Central coach Dipak Patel refused to discount his team's chances in the Shell Trophy. This victory keeps the door open to the possibility of adding to their reputation as the come-back kids, earned after their victory against the odds in the Shell Cup.

The reputations of several young cricketers have been enhanced over the past four days. Brent Hefford continued his meteoric rise with seven wickets earned by impressive control and cricketing intelligence.

Andrew Schwass showed that he may be an undiscovered gem in first-class cricket, as well as in the one-day game. Joseph Yovich showed that he is a talent with bat and ball, bowling very quickly for a long time.

There are some reasons for optimism in an otherwise gloomy week for New Zealand cricket.

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