Cricket: Wellington in control of State Championship final

1.40pm

Wellington was in a strong position to take out the State Championship title at lunch on day three of the final against Canterbury.

Canterbury were 60-1 in their second turn at bat at the Basin Reserve, still 49 runs behind Wellington's first innings.

Wellington, who only need a draw to be crowned champions, started the third day at 288-9 in reply to Canterbury's 192.

They advanced through to 301 before finally being dismissed after having been 170-8 at one stage yesterday.

Matthew Walker was the star of Wellington's recovery, finishing 84 not out from 204 deliveries.

James Franklin then gave the hosts a perfect return to the field when he removed opener Shanan Stewart early to have Canterbury 12-1 before they made a mini-recovery.

Michael Papps was unbeaten on 28 and Peter Fulton 24 at lunch.

- HERALD STAFF