Knights adjust well to take early initiative in the south

Great to be in Dunedin and get the season underway with a four-day match against the State Volts.

Arriving on Sunday to a cloudy but warm day, the Knights were quickly into stride with an afternoon fielding session at Carisbrook.

The ground is looking a picture and the quality of the outfield is superb which bears testament to the great job being done by the ground staff, especially given the fact that they have hosted 55 games of rugby in the preceding months.

At the conclusion of the fielding session we headed off to the Edgar (indoor) Centre for some batting and bowling skill work.

The boys had an adjustment to make in terms of slightly cooler weather but the hospitality at this end of the country is always good.

As I write at the end of day two we find ourselves well placed in the match. Our performance to date as a team has been commendable and the players continue to prepare well. The bowling effort on day one was good with Joey Yovich and Bruce Martin standout performers well supported in the field.

To reach 303 in our first innings was pleasing. The Volts bowlers bowled well to have us 128 for seven. The Marshalls both contributing well with 54 and 32.

The last three wickets put on 180 runs and skipper Robbie Hart led from the front with what was one of the better captain's innings I have seen. He was well supported by 'G' (Graeme Aldridge) with 22, and 'Bucko' (Martin) 45.

Rookie Ian Butler also showed maturity arriving at the wicket in his first first-class match, having the team nine down, batting against the new ball, and the skipper 91 not out!

The Volts started impressively with Brendon McCullum and Robbie Lawson but the introduction of Aldridge and Scott Styris saw three quick wickets fall.

Martin capturing the wicket of danger man Andrew Hore was a real bonus. Let's hope we can get a result and the rain stays away.