Knights clear at top of the table
March 8, 2010
The Northern Knights have extended their lead at the top of the Plunket Shield table after beating the Wellington Firebirds by nine wickets in less than three days.
Wellington started the day on 101 for two but were still 106 run behind the Northern Knights after a shaky first innings of 193 let them down.
Stephen Murdoch provided some resistance with a defiant 79 but went unsupported with opener Neal Parlane’s 76 the only other score of note as the Firebirds were all out for 248 in their second dig.
It was the Northern quicks that did the damage with Brent Arnel taking three for 51 and Graeme Aldridge snaring three for 47. Aldridge finished with nine for the match after taking six in the first innings.
BJ Watling (21) was the only wicket to fall as the Knights easily knocked off the 44 runs required for the outright win.
The victory was set up by a stunning 170 by Kane Williamson on day two as the Northern batting line up powered their way to 400.
Northern are sitting pretty at the top of the table on 36 points, 16 points clear of second placed Canterbury with three rounds to play. The Wellington Firebirds are not out of the running on 16 points but will need to force results if they are to threaten top spot.