Central Districts cricket team crowned Ford Trophy champions after Young–Heaphy masterclass
A record-breaking partnership between Will Young and Curtis Heaphy powered Central Districts to a six-wicket win over Canterbury cricket team in the Ford Trophy final at the Basin Reserve, ending Canterbury’s hopes of a third straight title.
Chasing 303 for victory, Central Districts reached 303 for 4 with 13 balls to spare, thanks largely to a monumental 257-run stand for the second wicket between Young and Heaphy — a new Central Districts record for that wicket in the Ford Trophy.
The triumph marked Central Districts’ first one-day title since the 2022–23 season and their eighth overall.
Nicholls’ century in vain
Earlier, Canterbury captain Henry Nicholls produced a captain’s knock of 115 off 112 balls, registering his fourth century of the 2025–26 campaign. In doing so, he equalled George Worker’s record for the most Ford Trophy hundreds in a single summer.
Nicholls found strong support from fellow Black Cap Tom Latham, who struck 80 from 86 deliveries after Canterbury had lost Chad Bowes early to allrounder Josh Clarkson.
Canterbury’s 302 for 7 appeared competitive, but it ultimately proved insufficient against a dominant Central Districts batting display.
Young and Heaphy seize control
Central Districts were 19 for 1 in the fourth over when Young and Heaphy came together. From there, they wrested complete control of the contest. The pair batted deep into the 43rd over before being separated, by which time the chase had been reduced to a formality.
Young compiled a List A career-best 157 off 132 balls, showcasing a full range of drives and flicks. He was particularly severe on rookie spinner Raunaq Kapur, plundering 36 runs from just 19 deliveries. He moved from 144 to 150 with consecutive boundaries in a statement flourish.
At the other end, Heaphy struck 105 off 124 balls in a composed and mature innings that underlined his growing reputation. Having already emerged as the leading run-scorer in the previous season’s Ford Trophy and represented New Zealand A, Heaphy once again demonstrated his potential on the big stage.
Remarkably, Heaphy had kept wicket for the full 50 overs after stepping in for the injured Dane Cleaver, who was sidelined with a back complaint. Despite the physical toll, he opened the batting and remained at the crease for nearly 43 overs, frequently advancing down the pitch to disrupt the bowlers’ lengths.
Though both centurions fell late in the chase, Central Districts’ victory was never seriously threatened. Dean Foxcroft and Clarkson were at the crease when the winning runs were completed.
Emotional triumph and farewell
“It’s kind of what dreams are made of. It’s awesome,” Heaphy said after the match. “Lovely to bat with someone with that experience. He made my job easier, and it was nice to contribute in a final.”
Young was equally effusive in his praise. “Curty’s learning his craft. He’s seriously good at occupying the crease and starting to put pressure back on bowlers. When he does that, he’s a hell of a player. Very proud of him.”
The final also marked the end of an era for Canterbury coach Peter Fulton, who has been granted an early release from his contract. He is set to take over as head coach of Middlesex County Cricket Club on a three-year deal ahead of the 2026 season.
For Central Districts, however, the day belonged to Young and Heaphy — a partnership for the ages that sealed the title in emphatic fashion.