Former national under-19 captain Kane Williamson scored an unbeaten century as Northern Districts cruised to a seven-wicket victory over Wellington in a national one-day cricket match at the Basin Reserve yesterday. Wellington, who were asked to bat after losing the toss, scored 216, a total was boosted by half-centuries from wicketkeeperChris Nevin and allrounder Luke Woodcock. Northern Districts chased their target down in just 33 overs. They lost their first wicket when Anton Devcich departed for a duck in the second over as Mark Gillespie celebrated his return to provincial action from a 13-month injury break. But BJ Watling and Williamson revelled in perfect batting conditions to deny Wellington any further inroads with a partnership of 145 runs for the second wicket. Watling was bowled by Harry Boam for 50 off 57 balls and Gillespie snapped up Michael Parlane an over later to have the visitors at 147 for three. Daniel Flynn then held firm to score 45 not out and see his side home in tandem with Williamson, who ended 108 not out. Williamson was brutal on the short deliveries, pulling and hooking five sixes and collecting another seven boundaries in a 133-minute stay. He brought up his century with a six off the 96th delivery he faced. It was his second century of the season. Earlier, Nevin and Woodcock came together with Wellington on 86 for four. They put on 54 for the fifth wicket before Nevin was bowled for 63 by Joe Yovich. Woodcock, 52, and Harry Boam, 37, then put on 60 for the sixth wicket before they both departed in the 49th over.NZPA
