CRICKET - Yovich sets up Knights' party

You don't hear the expression ``Hamilton rocked' very often but after the Northern Knights' fantastic victory over Otago in the State Shield final on Saturday, the Knights tried their best to paint the town red.
Whangarei all-rounder Joe Yovich, who was one of the standout Knights players after top-scoring with 78 not out, said the team had celebrated in style.
"I think some of the guys will be just getting in from last night right now, it was a pretty big night in Hamilton," he said yesterday afternoon.
Yovich said the victory was a deserved one after they had been the form team of the competition and it was particularly good match for him personally as he rescued the Knights' batting effort.
"I haven't had a lot of opportunities with the bat this year but we've had a little theme all year which is `find a way' and it was my turn yesterday and it was pleasing to get some runs on the board for the team and give us a chance anyway."
The Knights' normally dependable top order all failed and it was left to Yovich to lead a middle order fightback to lead them to a score of 238 at Seddon Park in Hamilton.
"In the end it was enough, I've been in enough finals to know that there's a lot of pressure chasing runs as well, especially when you bowl straight and get early wickets."
Yovich said the team's celebration won't take their attention from their next challenge.
"She's a pretty quick turnaround really.
"We've got Auckland on Wednesday in the State Twenty/20 and we'll have switch on quickly, if we want to improve on making the final last year and maybe win it," he said.