Accurate bowling from Jannie Dreyer and Keith Storey at the death finally earned Natal a home victory in their Standard Bank League match against Northerns at Kingsmead on Wednesday night.

Northerns needed 35 runs from the last five overs with six wickets intact and Dirkie de Vos well set, but Natal hit the stumps five times to record a thrilling eight-run victory over the champions.

Northerns were always under pressure chasing 239 batting second, and Storey and Gary Gilder got Natal off to a great start as they claimed three wickets for 39. But the support bowling was poor and Gerald Dros (66) and De Vos combined to add 122 for the fourth wicket and break the Northerns record of 115 set by Lee Barnard and Mike Rindel nine years ago.

But Wade Wingfield, who had earlier been surprisingly promoted to number three in the order but batted with great aplomb in top-scoring with 83, again showed maturity beyond his 21 years as he bowled with a much-needed consistency of line and length to halt the Northerns charge.

Dros and De Vos, coming together at 39 for three, seldom had to try anything extravagant as Jon Kent, Dreyer and Kevin Pieterson gave them a steady supply of poor deliveries. With runs coming freely, Dros will be furious for running himself out when attempting a second run to the strong arm of Kent, and his dismissal for 66 off 67 balls started Northerns' troubles.

De Vos and Dennis Smith (19) added 43 for the fifth wicket off 50 balls, but straight, full bowling at the death ensured that Northerns had to work for every run.

Dreyer had bowled poorly in his first spell, conceding 27 off his first four overs, but he made up for it by bowling De Vos for a brilliant 84 (off 87 balls), Quintin Ferreira (5) and Mark Davis (5). Storey, who took two for 25 in his first spell of seven overs, was spot on target at the death as well and the 2000 odd spectators at Kingsmead were very grateful when Rudi Bryson spooned the third ball of the final over to wide mid-on, having struck the first delivery for six.

Dreyer finished with three for 38 in his six overs, while Storey thoroughly deserved his Accolade for taking four for 35. Gilder was also impressive, taking one for 27 in eight overs with the new ball.

In the Natal innings, Andrew Hudson showed that he is still one of the most accomplished batsmen in the country on pitches of good pace, scoring 63 off 76 balls to get the home side off to a good start in partnership with Wingfield.

The former international despatched anything remotely loose with great authority, but his innings came to an end when he was given out caught behind, cutting at a Pierre Joubert long-hop, television replays suggesting there was some doubt attached to the decision.

Wingfield was still there though, and once again showed a cool head despite batting in a strange position. He tried nothing over-fancy, but his 83 off 116 balls was further proof of his importance in Natal's long-term plans. With Mark Bruyns scoring a brilliant 64 not out off just 59 balls, Natal went to 238 for three in their 45 overs usually a winning total at Kingsmead and just enough on the night.

Northerns, having already wrapped up the title, lacked their usual sparkle and David Townsend was their only bowler to impress, bowling his nine overs for 37 runs and picking up the wicket of Doug Watson (4) early on.

Despite their welcome return to winning ways, Natal still failed to finish in the top five of the League and thereby qualify automatically for the Standard Bank Cup. They will need to win a playoff on March 10, most probably against Easterns at Kingsmead.