Cricket: Southerners dominate in national club champs

South Island teams have quickly emerged as the most likely contenders for the national club cricket championship.

After two days of the Southern Trust-sponsored tournament at Cornwall Park, Green Island (Otago) and Canterbury representative St Albans are the only unbeaten teams and their clash tomorrow afternoon shapes as the crucial contest.

Both had easy wins yesterday, with Otago regulars Jordan Sheed and Bradley Scott playing a key role in Green Island's five-wicket win over Fraser-Tech.

It was even easier for St Albans.

After dismissing first-day winners Howick Pakuranga for a miserable 101 in 28 1/2 overs - with James Ward and Andrew Cuttriss taking seven wickets between them - St Albans reached 103-4 in less than 30 overs.

United blew a winning chance in the third game. Sent in, Wellington's North City reached an encouraging 209 before being dismissed with one ball of the innings left.

In dismissing United 11 runs shy of their target, and with overs to spare, North City had their first points and some confidence for today's clash with St Albans.

In another key match, Howick Pakuranga will attempt to turn it around against Green Island.