The Northern Knights boosted their semi final hopes with a thrilling two wicket win over the Central Stags at Cobham Oval in Whangarei.
The Knights reached the target of 241 with three balls to spare - the winning runs coming from a 17 run partnership between tailenders Graeme Aldridge and Bradley Scott.
The run chase was set up by Kane Williamson who was the best Knights batsman for the second match in a row, this time striking 77. Williamson is now leading the Men’s One-Day MVP points table.
Other contributions came from BJ Watling who hit 33 at the top of the order and middle order batsman Michael Parlane making 45.
The wickets were shared between the Stags frontline bowlers with Michael Mason taking two for 40, Seth Rance two for 53 and Graham Napier the best with three for 40.
Earlier the Knights had bowled the Stags out for 240 with Aldridge (three for 40) causing the most problems.
The Stags started well with their top three batsmen getting starts before Mathew Sinclair crafted a useful 62. But when he went in the 44th over with the score on 193 the wickets tumbled with the tail unable to capitalise on the solid platform.
Tim Weston was the next best, contributing a useful 46.
Poor running between the wickets also proved to be an issue for the Stag’s as they lost three of their batsmen to run outs.
Joseph Yovich picked up two wickets by leaked 52 runs with Williamson the most economical bowler, conceding on 32 off his ten overs.
