Knights chasing Wizards total

Hamish Marshall leads State Northern Knights’ pursuit of State Canterbury Wizards declared total after two days of an intriguing State Championship final at Hamilton’s Seddon Park.

Marshall stands on 42 overnight with the Knights on 152 for four, chasing Canterbury’s 443 for eight.

Kruger van Wyk struck 55 to build on centuries by Shanan Stewart (118) and the prolific Michael Papps (132), and other useful cameos from Andrew Ellis (28) and Iain Robertson (21).

Tim Southee led the Knights attack with three for 73.

ND’s innings lacked the momentum provided by Papps and Stewart’s stand, and were struggling at 102 for four at the 28-over stage.

But Marshall and Nick Horsley, on 25 not out, left the innings poised on 151 without further loss at stumps, moving them within 90 runs of the follow-on mark.

Hamish Bennett was the leading Canterbury bowler with two for 30 from 10 overs, with Canterbury out to claim the outright win that will earn them the title.

The hosts, as the top team in the round-robin stage, only need a draw to claim the State Championship.