Pesky showers had an early influence, on what was effectively the first day of play in the Northern Districts-Canterbury Shell Trophy match, but in the end they could not deny a batsman and a bowler a very good day at the office. Grant Bradburn and Gary Stead stood out as their respective colleagues found wickets and runs hard to come by.

After a delayed start, the players came and went at regular intervals during the first two sessions, keeping the ground staff and various helpers occupied with the delivery and removal of the plastic covers.

However, at the weather's convenience, 84 overs - 41 of them in the two-and-a-half hours between tea and stumps - were bowled after Northern Districts won the toss and put Canterbury in on a pitch that offered an interesting contrast of green grass and dark earth. Simon Doull gave that decision early support with the wicket of Robbie Frew in his first over before a run had been scored.

But then it was Doull who raised questions about Northern's policy of preferring two spinners over the medium pace of Graeme Aldridge with a helpful pitch and heavy cloud cover. In his second over, Doull pulled up with a groin strain and although he continued through the morning session, albeit at a lower pace, he was not sighted at the bowling crease in the afternoon.

As it turned out, the two-spin tactic benefited Northern, Bruce Martin and Bradburn getting the breakthroughs when Joseph Yovich, Alex Tait and a hampered Doull failed to make the best of the conditions. They were helped by some smart reflex catching in close as Michael Parlane, Mark Bailey and James Marshall put their hands in the right place at the right time.

Bradburn turned into Northern's biggest trump card on a pitch that was suppposedly going to help pace. A nagging length, some surprising turn and persistent accuracy brought the reward of four wickets for 56 off 25 overs. Robbie Hart would probably have been happier if his pace attack had placed similar demands on the batsmen.

For Canterbury, their captain showed every sign of not allowing the conditions to take control. Without his unbeaten 77, the Canterbury total would have made sorry reading. A solid defence coupled with the occasional bit of judicious hitting ensured his team a degree of stability. With contributions in the 20s from Harley James, Jarrod Englefield and Gareth Hopkins, the southern visitors would not be too unhappy with 175 for six at the end of a day in which the toss was expected to be crucial.

It may have been - but it was a spinner who put bowling first to best advantage.

Northern will come back tomorrow intent on wrapping up the Canterbury innings quickly to ensure a chance in the last two days of collecting the outright needed to keep them in touch with the top of the table. If Canterbury respond to their captain's example, Northern will have their work cut out.

© CricInfo