The longest format competition on the domestic cricket scene starts again today, after a break in play for the HRC Cup and One-Day Competition.
Five rounds of the Plunket Shield were played before Christmas, with five rounds still to play, finishing in late March and with 48 points up for grabs, the competition will be heating up amongst the top five teams.
Plunket Shield Points
1 Northern Knights - 26
2 Canterbury Wizards - 20
3 Otago Volts - 18
4 Central Stags - 16
5 Wellington Firebirds - 16
6 Auckland Aces – 0
Defending Champs bottom of the table
The Auckland Aces have to most work to do during the Plunket Shield after having a disastrous start to the competition before Christmas. Currently sitting in sixth spot on the table, the Aces do not have a mathematical chance of winning the competition; however Coach Paul Strang is optimistic after the team’s two final appearances in the HRV Cup and 50 over format.
“We didn’t play good enough cricket to start with, we didn’t play to our potential,” he said. “But the good thing with the four dayers is you get another bite at the cherry, it gives us an opportunity to push pressure on the other teams.”
Front runners the Northern Knights
One-Day competition winners the Northern Knights are the early leaders on the Plunket Shield table with three outright wins and 26 points, however coach Grant Bradburn said the team won’t be resting on their laurels. “Although we currently lead there is no room for complacency,” he said. “We are desperate to go out and win games instead of sitting on a lead that’s not big enough yet.”
The Knights play the Wizards in Rangiora this week, who currently sit in second position six points behind the Knights side.
Realistic chances
The Canterbury Wizards, Otago Volts, Central Stags and Wellington Firebirds still have a realistic chance of taking out the Plunket Shield competition. The Wizards, looked in good form before Christmas with two outright wins, the Volts, who haven’t appeared in a competition final this season are third with 18 points and neighbouring Stags and Firebirds are on 16.
Next round 25/02/2010 - 28/02/2010
Auckland Aces vs Wellington Firebirds
Colin Maiden Park, Auckland
Canterbury Wizards vs Northern Knights
MainPower Oval, Rangiora
Otago Volts vs Central Stags
Queens Park, Invercargill
