Karl on ... 4 rounds of the State Shield

The first four rounds of the State Shield have come to an end, with almost all teams having played each other (round five is later this week).

Currently, on the points table, Wellington lead the competition having won 3 matches and lost 1. Wellington have been very consistent, until this week's loss to ND in Taupo.

Wellington - 14 pts
Auckland - 9 pts
Otaog - 8 pts
Canterbury - 8 pts
CD - 7 pts
ND - 5 pts.

None of the players has really set the competition alight.

The bowling statistics show that the highest wicket takers after four matches with 7 wickets each are Chris Harris and Brandon Hiini, both from Canterbury. Interestingly Craig Cumming has taken 6 wickets for Otago. Black Caps hopefuls include Iain O'Brien, who has taken 6 wickets at 18.2 in 3 matches, Daryl Tuffey who has taken 2 at 86.5 in 4 matches and Chris Martin who has taken 2 at 44.5 in 2 matches.

The batting statistics show the highest run scorer, with 200 runs at 50.0, is English import Alun Evans for ND. Craig Cumming is close behind with 183 runs at 61 - he also has the only century of the competition. Black Caps hopefuls include Craig McMillan who has 116 runs at 38.66 (HS of 69), Mathew Sinclair with 89 runs at 44.5 (HS of 67) and Lou Vincent who has 2 ducks and a score of 26. In the weekend Jacob Oram had his first game back, scoring 43 and not bowling.