Canterbury, known as the Wizards under their marketing guise, were blessed with film hero Harry Potter's magic touch against Otago today in the 155th clash, the first for the State Championship, between New Zealand's oldest provincial rivals.

Canterbury were 59/3 at stumps on the first day after Otago's disappointing 214 all out had left Canterbury in the box seat at the start of the final session.

It took the irresistible form of Chris Harris (24 not out) to subdue the pacy Otago attack, even the Cantab legend had a life when umpire Billy Bowden failed to give Craig Pryor an lbw decision off the second ball Harris faced.

Wily Warren Wisneski was the Wizard's chief magician, with five for 74, while Wade Cornelius impressed again with two for 67. Paul Wiseman, a new Wizard this season after transferring from the Volts, also showed his tricks with 2/17 in his ten overs.

With Andrew Hore (50) and Martyn Croy (27) adding 50 together on a warm afternoon, Canterbury were stuck for inspiration, but Cornelius, Wiseman and Wisneski finished the Volts' off with five wickets falling for 33 either side of tea.

One of these was of Lee Germon, the former Canterbury captain, who was upset that Bowden gave him out leg before when he looked to be bringing his new team back into it.

Earlier poor batting had seen Otago reduced to 87/4 during the morning session as Wisneski had a fiery five-over spell of three for 21.

Australian Rules football had prevented any play at the Village Green up until today, but the re-laid wicket showed more bounce and pace than last season as the resurgent Wisneski noted.

"We were pleasantly surprised that there was a bit of moisture underneath the surface. It was quite slippery this morning when we bowled and when we started off this morning it was hard to get line and length just because we were sliding through the crease. But sometimes you've got to take a punt and take what you can out of it early."

New Plymouth-born Wisneski, who cites Central Districts' Alistair Jordan as a "massive influence because he made things happen" took his eighth first-class five-wicket bag today. The 32-year old Taranaki tiger is bowling better than ever this term after being left out in the cold for much of last season.

Competition for places in the Canterbury team is healthy, with Robbie Frew scoring a big century in the second team trial this weekend and slow left-armer James Ward, an assistant groundsman at QEII, top of the Christchurch club wicket taking table.

With squad members Stephen Cunis and Shanan Stewart unlucky not to be picked today, Canterbury are resurgent this term under new coach Michael Sharpe.

Not least among Sharpe's successes has been to bring Wisneski on side.

"I had a talk with Warren who was overseas (replacing Shane Bond as professional at the Furness club in the UK) and told him our plans and what structure we wanted to set up, and what I thought his role would be. He had a few weeks to think about that, and he's come on board and he's really excited. I think he's slipped in very well," said former Canterbury seamer Sharpe.

On the chances of a first positive first-class result for Canterbury, Wisneski said, "If we have a hot day tomorrow it should turn out to be a complete belter. Hopefully our batsman can hang around and do the job for the team."

© CricInfo