Well Rob O'Donnell couldn't kick on for the Auckland Aces, but Brad Cachopa certainly could with the middle Cachopa hitting a century as Northern Districts bowled the Aces out for 356. Joel Baker took 6 wickets for the Knights and they have fought their way to 173/5 with Anton Devcich the only score of note with 58. BJ Watling will be the key man for the Knights as he will be keen to serve up a rather typical knock to save the Knights from a first innings deficit. Donovan Grobbelaar has 3 wickets for the Aces with his slick left arm, medium pacers doing the trick.
Canterbury ran through the Wellington Firebird's lower order with Todd Astle's 5 wicket haul instrumental in bowling the Firebirds out for 263. Brent Arnel then tried to return serve taking 3 wickets for Wellingotn, but the veteran all rounder Andrew Ellis had something to say about that, as his 133 not out has the Cantabs in a strong position. They've got a slight lead but with Ellis not out, that could quickly increase tomorrow.
We got some play in the game between Central Districts and Otago, 3.3 overs. The Stags are 6/0, yey.
That Man Deserves A Mean Feed
I get the feeling that Andrew Ellis might enjoy a nice bit of lamb, some mint sauce and mashed potatoes. He sure as hell deserves it, he's taken a fair amount of wickets this season and is showing his class with the bat.
Remember Todd Astle, former Black Cap? It's hard to see him making an international return, but 5 wickets is a very solid effort. Both he and Ellis are Cantabs, so he can join in on the heart lamb feast I prepared for Ellis. I'd switch it up though for Astle, some kumara instead of potato, yeah boy.
Brad Cachopa however, he's a true blue jaffa, via South Africa so he can have a some pork belly. A few roast tomatoes and the forgotten Cachopa will be a happy lad.
Joel Baker aye, well I've got some roast chicken left over from last night, he can tuck in to that. 6 wickets, that deserves a bit more though, how about some roast chicken on a bed of rocket and saute'ed kale. Or is that too healthy?
Observations From The Observatory
Vishi Jeet had a tough day at the office, but as they move in to day 3, it'll be interesting to see if he can pick up a few wickets. They'd be big wickets.
The 2nd tier of pace bowlers for the Knights will be pleased to have picked up 10 wickets between them. Baker's 6 and 2 from both Scott Kuggeleijn and Graeme Aldridge show that the Knights have a fair amount of depth with the ball.
