Michael Papps brought up 1000 first-class runs for the season as State Canterbury Wizards moved into a strong position in the State Championship final against State Northern Knights.
Papps scored 96 – narrowly missing out on a fifth State Championship century – as Canterbury recovered from 19 for two overnight to post 249 for six at Hamilton’s Seddon Park.
The BLACKCAPS opener put on 96 with nightwatchman Brandon Hiini (30) for the third wicket after the visitors fell to four for two late on day three.
Only 10 players have brought up four figures in a New Zealand first-class season, with Mark Richardson and Matthew Bell the last to do so six years ago.
Wizards captain Chris Harris made his second declaration of the game after making an unbeaten 54, handing the Knights a target of 374 – which would be a ground record fourth-innings total - for victory.
The ND second innings was on 65 for one at stumps on the penultimate day, after Hiini trapped BJ Watling lbw for four.
Brad Wilson (22) and Alun Evans (24) are the not out batsmen.
