The combination of what proved to be a generous Canterbury declaration and a Michael Parlane century brought Northern Districts a timely outright win in their eighth round Shell Trophy match at Whangarei today.

The five-wicket victory with two overs to spare left them equal with Wellington on 26 points at the top of the table with two rounds to play, setting up the possibility of a classic finish to the season when the two teams meet in the last round.

Parlane's century, his sixth in first-class cricket, was the highlight of the day. Scored off 182 balls, it came in stanzas: quick early, a steady middle and a pugnacious finish.

His 105 was the dominant contribution to Northern's 275 for five. However, classic left-handers' drives from Joseph Yovich (28 not out) and Matthew Hart (24) marked the latter part of the innings as they assisted a solid Grant Bradburn (59 not out) in ensuring the chase remained on course after Parlane's departure at 176 for four with 98 still required for victory.

The first hour set the scene for the rest of the day. Canterbury came out 130 runs ahead on the first innings after two declarations had partly made up for the first day lost when rain before the match and heavy humidity had affected the pitch and surrounds. They were clearly intent on quick runs.

Wickets were sacrificed wickets as they went from 64 for two overnight to 143 for seven in the first hour of play. Gary Stead added 62 to his first innings century as he and the opener Robbie Frew (32) put together 80 for the third wicket before the chase for runs produced a steady procession of batsmen before the declaration.

Alex Tait was the main beneficiary, taking four for 38 off 14. Grant Bradburn added two to his first innings four-wicket bag, ending with two for 31 off eight overs.

There was never any doubt Northern would go after what looked a generous offering - 274 off a minimum of 82 overs at 3.34 an over - when they were 32 without loss in the seventh over. However, Canterbury clawed the run rate back and took a couple of wickets to leave Northern at lunch 44 for two with 65 overs left and 230 required.

After lunch, tight bowling, particularly from Stephen Cunis, constrained the Northern batsmen, allowing the required run rate to climb. First Parlane and Hamish Marshall (31) and then Parlane and Bradburn ensured that Northern had a solid base from which to launch the attack in the final session.

Then it was all on. Parlane took to the bowling after tea, rushing to his century before holing out for his 105. Then first Hart followed by Yovich came out to help Bradburn steer Northern to victory.

The Canterbury bowlers might have looked more kindly on a few more runs to play with. However, as tight as they bowled through the middle session of the innings, they could not take the wickets necessary to put Northern under pressure when the charge came. Stephen Cunis (one for 27 off 16) and Shane Bond (one for 29 off 12) maintained tight line and length but the spinners had a day to forget when the pressure went on.

Much comment was made about the pitch and whether play should have occurred on the first day when the weather was fine after two days of rain. As it was, the match - with considerable help from the captains - produced three good days of cricket. Whether playing on the pitch on the first day when the soft surface could have been subject to damage would have had a similarly satisfactory outcome can not be answered. However, players did report the ball sending bits of earth flying off the track on the second day.

Given the end result, Northern in particular would have reason to be happy with all the decisions in this match.

© CricInfo