Wellington v Canterbury, State Championship final, Wellington

Wellington bowlers gain early advantage

Cricinfo staff

April 7, 2008

Canterbury 165 for 6 (Papps 46, O'Brien 3-52) v Wellington
Scorecard

	Iain O'Brien celebrates one of his three strikes © Getty Images

The international experience of Wellington's attack shone through on a rain-affected first day in the State Championship final at the Basin Reserve, where Canterbury wobbled to 165 for 6 at stumps. Kruger van Wyk was on 7 and Brandon Hiini had 11 at the close, leaving the visitors with an uphill battle as they searched for the victory needed to secure the title.

Wellington, who only require a draw to be crowned champions, sent Canterbury in after rain and a wet outfield delayed the start of play by 90 minutes. After a solid 47-run opening stand from Todd Astle and Michael Papps, Wellington's Iain O'Brien and Jeetan Patel put the home side back on track.

Papps top scored with 46 before becoming the first of Patel's victims, while Astle's innings of 25 ended when he was caught off O'Brien, who grabbed 3 for 52. Patel's 2 for 30 included the last wicket of the day, Shanan Stewart lbw for 25, after he and Iain Robertson (20) pushed them along to 146 for 4.

Grant Elliott also chipped in with the wicket of Peter Fulton, who was caught behind for 11. Canterbury are searching for their first title since 1997-98; Wellington last won the State Championship in 2003-04.

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