A half-century by Shanan Stewart helped Canterbury Wizards move back into contention on tea of day four as the State Championship final at the Basin Reserve began building to an intriguing climax.
Wellington Firebirds’ BLACKCAPS paceman Mark Gillespie took three wickets in the morning session as the Wizards fell to 101 for five at lunch.
Gillespie completed a five-for with the wickets of Kruger van Wyk (six) and Brandon Hiini (37), but only after the all-rounder shared a stand of 79 with Stewart, who progressed to 79 at the break.
At tea, the Wizards were 202 for seven, holding a lead of 229 as they sought outright victory to take the State Championship Trophy.
