Papps continues form in final

Michael Papps opened the State Championship final at Hamilton’s Seddon Park with a continuation of his blistering first-class form.

The State Canterbury Wizards opener stands unbeaten on 109, with his team on 260 for two after the first day against hosts State Northern Knights.

However, it was Shanan Stewart who scored the day’s biggest knock, registering 118 in a record stand of 246 with Papps.

The Knights started well after winning the toss and electing to field. Graeme Aldridge removed opener Todd Astle with the fourth ball of the innings.

But after Stewart joined Papps at the crease, the pair batted through to the evening session, pressing on to surpass a 66-year-old record for the second-wicket partnership.

Hamish Marshall’s late intervention sent Stewart back to the pavilion after facing 250 balls in five-and-a-half hours.