Four teams are still in the hunt in the men’s domestic one day competition, and today’s final round will determine who will face off in the preliminary finals.
The Auckland Aces are currently sitting at the top of the table with 24 points, well ahead of the Central Stags and Northern Knights, both on 17 points. Auckland is guaranteed a home preliminary final, but their opponents will not be known until the close of play today.
On 15 points, the Canterbury Wizards are the fourth team in the mix, having been able to stay in contention with a thrilling tie against the Aces on Saturday.
Choosing the finalists
Auckland will play the second placed team in the first preliminary final, while the two teams in third and fourth will square off. Both games will take place this Saturday.
The winner of the first game will automatically qualify for the one-day final on 21st February, whilst the loser gets a second chance to make the final against the winner of the third and fourth placed match.
Auckland Aces
They have already secured a home preliminary final at Colin Maiden Park. With stars such as Lou Vincent and Scott Styris leading the pack, the HRV Cup runners up will be looking to go one better in the one day form of the game this season.
Northern Knights
The Knights have a line up full of names people will recognise. The likes of Peter McGlashan, Brent Arnel and the Marshall brothers have all played for the BLACKCAPS and they will be strong contenders for the one-day title.
The Knights face the Aces at home in Whangarei in the final round of the one-day competition.
Central Stags
The Stags have already taken one domestic title this season, side swiping the Aces in the HRV Cup final at Pukekura Park a fortnight ago, and the Central side are looking at making it two trophies in their silverware cabinet.
With the likes of Michael Mason with the ball, and former BLACKCAP Jamie How leading with the bat, the Stags will be hoping to see off the Otago Volts in the final round robin game today to qualify second in the table.
Canterbury Wizards
After a disappointing HRV Cup campaign, the Canterbury Wizards will be looking to fare better in the One-Day competition. Their latest game against the Aces came down to the final over, with bowler Carl Frauenstein forcing a tie with some amazing death bowling.
BLACKCAP fast bowler Shane Bond will be part of the line up for the Wizards, along with Chris Martin, Peter Fulton and Michael Papps. Fireworks are expected when the Wizards take on the Wellington Firebirds at QEII Park today, with free entry for spectators.
Today’s Games
Auckland Aces v Northern Knights
Cobham Oval. Whangarei
11am start
Central Stags v Otago Volts
Pukekura Park, New Plymouth
11am start
Canterbury Wizards v Wellington Firebirds
Village Green, QEII Park, Christchurch
11am start
FREE ENTRY
