That tails have a propensity to wag in a cricket match is a given but what's important for the bowling side is to ensure their head's in the right space.
A brain fade on the final day of the Plunket Shield match in Napier today will determine whether hosts Central Districts Stags will claim their first victory this summer or the third-placed Wellington Firebirds will add to their only win to leapfrog Northern Districts Knights on the table to second place.
"It's evenly poised at the moment and Michael Papps batting really well so he's the key wicket for us in the morning," adroit CD seamer Seth Rance said last night after Wellington were 205-5 in 73 overs in their second innings after the Stags were skittled for 382 in their first dig yesterday.
Opening batsman Papps is unbeaten on 96 and Black Caps wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi, 11 not out at No 6, will try to add to the visitors' 68-run lead when play resumes mid-morning in round eight of the domestic men's competition.
"They have quite a long tail so if we can get one wicket before working through them to keep them around a lead of 150 ideally," said the 29-year-old right-armer from Wairarapa who took 2-44 yesterday to add to his four scalps in the first dig.