Cricket: Defiant Astle in charge

An unbeaten second-innings half century by Nathan Astle guided Canterbury to a six-wicket win over Northern Districts in a State Championship four-day cricket match at Rangiora yesterday.

Canterbury resumed from 60 for one, chasing a total of 195 to win.

There were some anxious moments when they lost two wickets in 38 runs, with Daniel Vettori doing the damage.

Vettori took the wicket of Todd Astle after Canterbury added just 17 runs to their overnight score and added Peter Fulton to his tally 16 runs later.

With the fall of Shanan Stewart's wicket, Nathan Astle and Chris Harris came together to guide Canterbury home with a 47-run stand. Astle was unbeaten on 63.

Canterbury's Shane Bond was the pick of the bowlers, taking seven wickets in the match.

- NZPA