The Northern Districts cricket side has won the opening game of the provincial Twenty/20 competition with a five run victory over Auckland at Mt Maunganui.
The hosts made a 164 in their 20 overs and Auckland cobbled 159 for 7 in reply with captain Gareth Hopkins top scoring with 50 off 33 balls.
In Northern's innings BJ Watling shone with 73 off 59 balls.
