Cricket: Knights let themselves down badly

YOU'RE OUT: Northern Knights batsman Jono Boult is dismissed in the final over of the run chase at Bay Oval.PHOTO/ANDREW WARNER 020114AW20BOP

A poorly timed chase of a mediocre total is to blame for the Northern Knights' 11 run loss to the Canterbury Wizards at Bay Oval yesterday.

The home side loomed as favourites for much of the chase, but failed to produce the expected fireworks in the middle and late overs as the Wizards' attack choked the scoring rate.

Brad Wilson's 43 runs shone out like a beacon in an otherwise forgettable batting card, though even his innings, coming from 52 deliveries with only two boundaries, was not without fault.

The Wizards batted first and could only muster 125-7 off their 20 overs after the gathered assembly of dignitaries for the opening of the Bay Oval had been treated to a double strike in the day's opening over.

Anton Devcich removed former Black Caps Rob Nicol and Dean Brownlie, finishing with the remarkable figures of 2/1 from his solitary over.

Local boy Jono Boult took 2-23 with his off spinners, including the in-form Black Cap Tom Latham, who top-scored for the Cantabs with a brisk 44 off 36 balls.

Scott Styris and Ish Sodhi were the other wicket takers for the Knights.

Trent Boult returned to the Knights after his heroics in the test series against the West Indies and after recovering from a thigh strain looked sharp in conceding 17 runs off four overs.

In reply, the Knights lost both openers with the score at 22. Captain Daniel Flynn could only muster 13, while opening mate Devcich scored just eight.

Brad Wilson and Black Caps keeper BJ Watling put on 45 before Watling was caught by Nicol off Ronnie Hira for 16.

Wilson was removed with the score at 94-4 in the 16th over, effectively stalling the chase as a succession of batsmen came and went on the way to 114-7.

The Knights have a short time to get their game back in order before they face Wellington at the Bay Oval tomorrow.