Jacob Oram smashed a half-century as his return to fitness continued in State Central Stags’ comprehensive victory over State Twenty20 champions Canterbury Wizards in New Plymouth.
Oram plundered six sixes in 26 balls to make 57 as the Stags outgunned the Wizards from the off, posting 180 for eight.
Ewen Thompson cut through the visitors’ order with four wickets for just 12 runs from as many balls as the holders had their reply halted for 104.
Batting first, the Stags built a healthy platform on Geoff Barnett’s 39 - including six boundaries and one maximum - from the top of the order.
Oram took on the momentum in a stand of 75 off 39 balls with Greg Hay (23), the pivotal partnership in the match.
Thompson then accounted for the Wizards, batting assisted by off-spinner Robbie Schaw (3/21) to give his side victory.
