Element IMF Cadets ensured the Northern Districts Club Championship would return to the Bay of Plenty for the fourth successive season when they defeated Kaipara Flats in the 2012 edition of the ND championship on Sunday.

The Bay side took first use of the batting strip at Kaipara Flats and was in some trouble at 4/69.

Cadets' openings batsman Ben Christensen remained defiant at one end though and was rewarded with 33 runs.

The entrance of Scott Steward turned defence into attack with the Cadets middle order batsman going on to top score for his team with a rock solid 72.

Nick Earl (43) put together a solid partnership with Steward, while Black Cap Trent Boult hit a quickfire 20 runs.

Cadets were bowled out in their last over for 218 – which set the Northland side a solid challenge.

The only Kaipara Flats batsman to trouble the Cadets bowlers was Northern Knight Brad Wilson who posted 62 runs, as his side was bowled out for 134.

Cadets skipper Jono Boult took three wickets for just 12 runs, while both Campbell Wilson and Ben Christensen bowled economically to grab two wickets apiece.

The Cadets victory is the third time that they have held aloft the symbol of ND Club superiority.

The Bay of Plenty stranglehold on the ND Club silverware continues on from the Mount Maunganui back to back titles in 2010 and 2011, with Cadets having won the trophy in 2009.

Cadets have also won the right to represent Northern Districts at the National Club Championship, to be played in Auckland during April 2012.

They will be chasing a second national crown after winning their first National Club title in 2004.

ND Club Championship Final

Element IMF Cadets 218 (Scott Steward 72, Nick Earl 43, Ben Christensen 33, Trent Boult 20) defeated Kaipara Flats 134 (Brad Wilson 62; Jono Boult 3/12, Ben Christensen 2/19, Campbell Wilson 2/21)