ROUND THREE
Canterbury beat the Otago Volts by 117 runs
Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Canterbury picked up valuable points with its second big win on the bounce: a hefty Ford Trophy victory over southern rivals the Otago Volts in Christchurch.
The Hagley Oval hosts had their visitors 102/6 chasing 293, eventually wrapping up their 117-run victory with 11.1 overs to spare - and securing the bonus point for their trouble.
Earlier, opening batsman Chad Bowes top-scored for the clinical red and blacks with 76, after captain Cole McConchie won the toss and batted.
Bowes (above) swept his side to a solid platform of 158 for two before he was finally trapped by Volts spinner Anaru Kitchen just before the 30-over mark.
Having strung together partnerships with half centuries from McConchie (an unbeaten 60*) and Stephen Murdoch (55), Canterbury reached a tally of 292 for five in their 50 overs.
The Volts struggled to get off the ground in reply with Canterbury pace bowler Andrew Hazeldine picking up three of the top four batsmen inside the first 14 overs.
The side was also unfortunately without the batting services of Josh Finnie, who had dislocated his shoulder in the field.
Hazeldine finished with an impressive career-best 3-14 off just four overs, while veteran Andrew Ellis (above) picked up a brace at the back end to finish off the visitors.
Michael Rippon was left unbeaten on 48* for his side's top score.