The Northern Districts cricket side has won the State Shield beating Otago by 49 runs in Hamilton yesterday.
Joseph Yovich's 78 not out off 76 balls for ND proved the difference handing Northern a deserved fifth title in 14 years and their first since 2004-05 -- having dominated this summer to qualify top with seven wins out 10.
However, there were doubts that their 238 for nine would be enough but an Otago side missing their three best batsmen on New Zealand duty in Australia never threatened.
The defending champions were dismissed for 189 in the 46th over.
