It’s finals time once again as the Wizards and the Aces go head to head for the Men’s One Day Title at the Village Green at QEII this Sunday.
The two sides have already squared off twice this season, with honours even. Auckland won the first game by six wickets, while in the preliminary final the Wizards won by 41 runs.
Hosts – Canterbury Wizards
2009/10 ranking: 3rd
Coach: Bob Carter
Captain: Peter Fulton
The Wizards have been the form side in the one day competition this year, securing a home final. They were unlucky to be miss out on a spot in the final last season, however experienced Coach Bob Carter has been able to encourage the players to push on this summer.
Carter is pleased his side have been able to deliver the goods this season in the 50-over format. “I think many of the guys are excited about playing in the final. All being well we can enjoy the game and enjoy the day and produce a really good performance,” he said. “All the players have trained hard and worked hard so we expect to produce the best performance possible.”
The Wizards are missing key strike bowler Hamish Bennett who is on international duties at the Cricket World Cup, however his absence leaves a gap for international import Mitchell Claydon to fill the breach.
All-rounder Rob Nicol, who made the move from the Aces last season, has been a valuable asset for the Wizards. He leads the way with the most runs scored in the One-Day competition for the 2010/11 season with 529. He’s got a high score of 105 and an average of 66.12. With the ball Nicol has also impressed. He’s been the second highest wicket-taker in the competition, claiming 14 scalps with best bowling of 4/51. It’s no wonder Nicol has firmly secured his place atop of the Mitre 10 MVP rankings for the domestic One-Day competition.
“Rob has been very consistent over the last two years for the Wizards and if he continues his good form he’ll go from strength to strength,” Carter said.
Other players who have impressed Carter during the One-Day competition have been Shanan Stewart and Carl Frauenstein. Stewart has scored 223 runs with an average of 37.16. “Shanan has been playing well and I’ve been very impressed with Carl and wicketkeeper Reece Young who has returned after making his Test debut,” Carter said. “We’ve got a strong line up and one that will compete well against the Aces.”
Regarding the final on Sunday, Carter said bring it on. “There’s a big rivalry between Auckland and Canterbury. They are a very fine team and we are well aware of what we’ve got to do.”
Auckland Aces
2009/10 ranking: 2nd
Coach: Paul Strang
Captain: Gareth Hopkins
After falling at the very last hurdle last year the Aces will be looking to do one better against the Wizards this season. 2009/10 saw the Aces go head to head with the Northern Knights in the final, but the Aces came off second best. They are hoping to change their fortunes this weekend.
The Aces will be without BLACKCAP opener Tim MacIntosh. He performed well in the semi-final against the Volts, top scoring with 161. Unfortunately MacIntosh has been ruled out with an injured toe. Although the Aces have lost their in-form batsman Coach Paul Stang is remaining positive. “We have experience in Lou Vincent, Gareth Hopkins and Andre Adams. We’ve also got a young side, so with MacIntosh out it gives an opportunity for a younger player to step up,” he said.
The 2010/11 season has been a better one for the Aces. They were able to bring home the silverware in the HRV Cup and they’ll be keen to secure the One-Day title to go along with the shortest format trophy. “We’ve learnt from our lessons from last year and have put them into practice this year,” Strang said. “This year we’ve played in both One-Day semi finals and we are ready for the final.”
Aces stalwart Lou Vincent has been the top run scorer for the Auckland side during the One-Day competition. He’s scored 489 runs, with a high score of 159* and an average of 61.12.
International import Andre Adams has been deadly with the ball for the Aces during the competition. He’s also taken 14 wickets in the competition along side Rob Nicol.
Former Aces keeper Reece Young has also transferred to the Wizards this season. Strang said it doesn’t bother the Aces playing against former team mates. “I don’t see it as too much of an issue. It’s the nature of sport these days. Players move around,” he said. “They are opposition on the field but I’m sure we’ll enjoy a few friendly beverages after the game.
“We don’t take the Wizards lightly. You’ve got to respect what they are about but we are confident we can go down their and win the final,” Strang concluded.
