Cricket: Nervy Knights hold off Firebirds

Northern Knights ended a run of losses at the Bay Oval with a close-fought 23 run victory over the Wellington Firebirds yesterday.

Skipper Daniel Flynn (62) and Daryl Mitchell (61) put on a match high partnership of 105 for the third wicket in the Knights 263/6 off 50 overs.

But thanks to a superb 78 from Grant Elliott the Firebirds fought all the way but were bowled out for 240 with one over to go.

Flynn opened with Dean Brownlie who struggled against Mark Gillespie, taking 12 balls to get off the mark. He made just 11 but Flynn crashed some early boundaries and went past 2000 limited overs runs for the Knights when he reached 16.

Mitchell hit two powerful sixes and four boundaries in his 61, Jono Hickey made 28 and leg spinner Ish Sodhi played a fine hand scoring 35 off 36 balls. Jono Boult (23no) spanked three boundaries in the 49th over to help the Knights reach 263/9.

Scott Kuggeleijn got the early wicket of the experienced Michael Papps before Graeme Aldridge knocked over Stephen Murdock. The Firebirds were wilting in the hot sun at 22/2 and three maidens followed, finished off with a bouncer from Kuggeleijn that smashed into Pollard's helmet.

But the gritty opener battled on and with captain Franklin reached 50/2 in the 12th over. Franklin chopped on for 11 from Daryl Mitchell who should have had Pollock next over but Jono Hickey dropped a sitter. No matter though as Mitchell dismissed him for 41 in the 17th over with the Firebirds 81/4.

Black Caps keeper Luke Ronchi lasted only seven balls but Elliott showed his class with a top quality innings. He reached 50 off just 46 balls and with support from Alecz Day took the Firebirds through to 79 off the last 12 overs.

Boult produced three consecutive tight overs as the run chase went down to the final 10 overs but the Firebirds began to look likely as they needed 56 off the last eight. Flynn missed an opportunity to catch Elliott in the outfield off Mitchell Santner but the Black Caps allrounder finally fell caught and bowled by Ish Sodhi for 78 off 80 balls with a remarkable win in his sights.

Day was out in the 48th over for 57 which ended the Firebirds fight. Kuggeleijn and Mitchell were the pick of the bowlers with three wickets each.

-Northern Knights are back in Ford Trophy action against Otago Vaults at Bay Oval from 12pm on Sunday.