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Ross Taylor hit an explosive half century to set up a 19 run win for the Central Stags over the Northern Knights at Pukekura Park, New Plymouth.
Taylor top scored with 53 from 32, striking four boundaries and four sixes. He shared an 80 run partnership for the third wicket with Tim Weston who made a brisk 35 from 29.
A late cameo from Kieran Noema-Barnett of 25 from nine balls propelled the score to an impregnable total of 184.
Tim Southee picked up three wickets but went for 40 runs with Daniel Vettori the most expensive, leaking 53 from his four.
The Knights mustered 165 for eight, thanks to James Marshall’s forlorn captain's knock of 53 from 36 balls.
Joseph Yovich was the only other batsman to make an impact with 21 from 18.
Seamer Graeme Napier was the pick of the Stags attack with two for 19 with Jabob Oram taking two for 29. Spinner George Worker also sneered two wickets from his solitary over, including the prize scalp of Marshall.
The Central Stags are sitting pretty at the top of the table and remain the only unbeaten team with the Northern Knights collecting one win from their three encounters.
The HRV Cup MVP points table also reflects the success of the Stags with Oram, Napier and Taylor occupying the top three places.
