We’ve reached the sharp end of the season in the Men’s One-Day competition, as the preliminary finals take place in Auckland and Canterbury this Saturday.
The table topping Auckland Aces will take on last year’s champions the Northern Knights at Colin Maiden Park in Auckland. The winner of the game will automatically progress to the final on 21st February, and will also gain hometown advantage for the event.
Kane Williamson has been the stand out performer for the Knights in the last few rounds. The 19 year old scored 81 against the Aces on Tuesday and 77 against the Stags last Saturday.
A number of BLACKCAPS or former BLACKCAPS grace each team. Lou Vincent, Gareth Hopkins and Scott Styris will lead the batting attack for the Aces while the Marshall Brothers, Peter McGlashan and Brent Arnel should start for the Knights.
The second preliminary final sees the Canterbury Wizards take on the Central Stags at QEII Park in Christchurch. The loser will automatically be eliminated from the competition, whilst the winner will take on the loser of the Aces v Knights game for a place in the final.
The Wizards have been able to resurrect their season after a tumultuous HRV Cup campaign, and are hoping to stop the Stags from making it into two finals from two competitions.
Whilst the Stags have lost a number of their international players, the likes of Jamie How, Michael Mason and Bevan Griggs ensure their line-up remains strong. Meanwhile the Wizards welcome Shane Bond back from injury, and with Shanan Stewart and Rob Nicol in blazing form with the bat, the stage is set for an intriguing game.
Both games start at 11am on Saturday and entry is free.
