Batting first and scoring 252 is rarely enough at New Plymouth's Pukekura Park but Central Districts bucked that trend yesterday as they moved into the Ford Trophy final with a 49-run win over Otago.
The home side won the toss and elected to bat at the youth-sized venue and werein trouble early at 38-3 as their much-vaunted top-order failed to fire.
The absent Jamie How, who had work commitments, left a big hole in their line-up.
Contributions from the likes of Dane Cleaver (41), Doug Bracewell (45) and debutant Tom Bruce (88 from 65 balls) helped Central Districts pass the 250-mark but they were eventually bowled out in the 49th over and were probably left with the feeling they hadn't made enough runs.
Otago were well served by seamers Neil Wagner (2-34) and Jacob Duffy (3-44) as they helped limit CD's total.
Central Districts were the top qualifiers from the regular season but, after they dropped the preliminary final to Auckland in New Plymouth last Saturday, were forced to put their season on the line against Otago.
With the heat on, their bowlers responded as Andrew Mathieson, the competition's leading wicket-taker, nabbed 3-52. The 25-year-old will leak his share of runs but he often finds a way to pick up wickets at crucial times.
Like Central Districts, Otago struggled early and were battling at 16-3 before Aaron Redmond (32) and Jesse Ryder (47) gave them some direction.
But when Ryder departed with the score at 95-4, things started to unravel.
A rain delay stunted the flow of the game late in the day but George Worker (3-25) cleaned up the tail with his left-arm spin as Otago were all out for 203.
CD will have an opportunity to avenge their recent defeat when they meet Auckland in Sunday's final at Colin Maiden Park.
The match will also give Central Districts the chance to farewell long-time opener How, who will retire from professional cricket at the conclusion of the Ford Trophy.
The 33-year-old made his debut for CD in the 2000-01 season and captained the side for six years during his playing tenure.
