Matthew Bell and Neal Parlane struck half-centuries as State Wellington Firebirds moved back into contention for a home State Shield final with a 43-run win over State Northern Knights at the Basin Reserve.
The duo put on a 147-run stand to assist their side to 291 for six, justifying Firebirds captain Michael Parlane’s decision to bat.
Jesse Ryder (23 from 11 balls), Chris Nevin (19) and Stu Mills (13) provided quick fire cameos to boost the total.
The Northern run rate never troubled Wellington, for whom Grant Elliot was the most prolific bowler with three for 48.
Peter McGlashan (59), Ian Butler (47) and James Marshall (30) were the leading Knights scorers, but their efforts could not inspire their side to a winning conclusion.
