Northern Knights stand-in opener Brad Wilson ground out 26 runs from 74 balls in Whangarei yesterday after a late call-up to replace Knights skipper Daniel Flynn in the Plunket Shield match.
The right-hander was under fire from Central Stags Black Cap Doug Bracewell from the outset, on a Cobham Ovalpitch that offered early assistance for the bowlers.
Wilson's fellow opener, Dean Brownlie, compiled an aggressive 58 runs off 69, continuing his fine form since his mammoth 334 run effort for Northern Districts against Central Districts last Monday.
The Knight's lifted their game later in the day but not without further loss.
BJ Watling, in his 100th first class game, went early for five, after Joe Carter (15) and Daryl Mitchell (22) got starts but couldn't push on.
Anton Devcich top scored with 61 runs from 95 balls including six fours and a six, backed up by 53 from Mitchell Santner before he was caught and bowled by George Worker. At stumps the Knights were with 312/7 off 90 overs with Scott Kuggeleijn (25 of 80 balls) and Jono Boult (27 off 37) putting together a solid partnership.
