BLACKCAPS all-rounder Craig McMillan hit an unbeaten 88 as State Canterbury Wizards reclaimed first place in the State Shield table with a three-wicket win over State Northern Knights in Christchurch.
McMillan struck a timely knock off only 84 balls, scoring eight boundaries in the process at Hagley Oval.
Northern have been one of the competitions’ best batting sides this season but were contained by their host, recording 201 for nine off their 50 overs.
Hamish Marshall top-scored with 58, but wickets fell around him and the Knights fell from 90 for three to their eventual total.
Openers Daniel Vettori and Bradley-John Watling began strongly, putting on 65 for the first wicket before Watling fell for 26.
Vettori made 42 before becoming the first of three wickets for Chris Cairns. Chris Harris and Nixon McLean also claimed two each.
Canterbury recovered from the early loss of Michael Papps for nine and McMillan shared significant partnerships with Peter Fulton (32) and Shanan Stewart (44 not out) to lead his side home.
