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The State Canterbury Wizards were forced to accept the State Championship wooden spoon today after the State Otago Volts picked up first innings points in the drawn match.
The 2007/08 champions had their season end on a damp note in Christchurch when a ball wasn't bowled on the final day of their match against Otago.
Otago had snared first innings points yesterday and Canterbury were to resume today on 233 for four in their second innings, an overall lead of 228.
However, a combination of light rain and bad light at QEII Park saw the match declared over midway through the day.
Canterbury managed two first innings through eight rounds of matches.
They struggled to bowl sides out all season, despite the efforts of Hamish Bennett and Andy Ellis, who finished with 26 and 23 wickets for the campaign respectively.
Leading the way with the bat were Johann Myburgh with 739 runs and opener Michael Papps with 719.
Captain Craig Cumming led the way for Otago with the bat, scoring 784 runs while Neil Wagner claimed 21 wickets.
Otago finished second-last, having claimed just four first-innings wins.
They could at least reflect on a campaign where they were runners-up in the State Shield and winners of the Twenty20 championship.
NZPA
Day three: Canterbury 233-4, lead Otago by 228
The State Canterbury Wizards removed Mathew Harvie early this morning to have Otago all out for 320 - five runs ahead of their first innings total.
They made 233 for four at close on day three having amassed a 228 run lead.
Peter Fulton struck 61 with the Canterbury’s most reliable batsman Michael Papps reaching 103.
Otago spinner Nathan McCullum has been the most threatening bowler taking three for 87.
Johannes Myburgh will resume tomorrow on 50 not out.
Day two: Otago 316-9 at stumps on day two, lead Canterbury by one run
The State Otago Volts were nine down and have secured a narrow one run first innings lead at the end of day two in the State Championship match against the State Canterbury Wizards.
Otago Captain Craig Cumming led from the front with an outstanding 176 – his 15th first-class century.
Cumming and Aaron Redmond put on 183 for the first wicket before Redmond was dismissed for 58.
The rest of the Otago line up failed, losing nine wickets for 133 runs.
Johannes Myburgh was the best of the Wizard attack taking four for 81 with Andrew Ellis picking up three wickets.
Day one: Otago 21-0 after bowling out Canterbury for 315 at stumps
The State Canterbury Wizards have been bowled out for 315 after losing the toss and being put into bat by the State Otago Volts at QEII Park in Christchurch.
Michael Papps made a solid 40 but the rest of the top and middle order failed with the Wizards struggling on 101 for seven.
Kruger van Wyk then combined with debutant Ryan McCone to rescue the Wizards innings by putting on 167 for the eight wicket before van Wyk was dismissed for 105.
McCone, the left-arm pace bowler, kicked on to record are remarkable 102 after coming in at number nine.
Volts quick James McMillan was the pick of the bowlers taking three for 27 with Warren McSkimming, Neil Wagner and Nathan McCullum picking up two apiece.
Otago will resume tomorrow on 21 without loss.
NZPA
