The Northern Knights nearly rained on the Central Stags’ parade yesterday but some cool heads and big hitting got them across the line and vaulted them into top spot in the HRV Cup, handing them a home final on Sunday.
Stags captain Jamie How said last night game against the BLACKCAPS heavy Northern Knights was an exciting one and at times quite nerve-wracking. The Stags were chasing a revised 95 off 12 overs after rain delayed the game. “It was almost two games in one. It came down to the last ball before the rain and we were able to get ahead on the Duckworth Lewis system,” he said. “Then to come back on and have the game decided with the bat and ball was really nice.”
BLACKCAPS star batsman Ross Taylor showed was the man of the moment, hitting the winning runs with three balls to spare. He cleared the rope on his was to 28 off 12 balls and showed a glimpse of what is to come during the international series against Bangladesh and Australia. “It was amazing for him to hold his nerve and hit those boundaries,” How said. “It was great to see his reaction, he was so excited.”
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The Stags will spend the next few days with friends and family before regrouping on Saturday in preparation for the final on Sunday. Although there is a lot on the line for the team, How is treating the final like any other game. “I think winning the title is very important and it’s got the added excitement of the big prize, a place at the Champions League,” he said. “But we are trying not to get overruled by the situation. We are just going to treat it like any other game.”
The Aces and Stags have met twice during the HRV cup round robins, with the Aces coming out on top on both occasions, so How is keen to even up the score with a big win over the team on Sunday. “It came down to the last ball last time so we are looking to balance the ledger. They are a good team and we respect their players but we are going into the game with confidence.”
Pukekura Park in New Plymouth will be the home of the final showdown and although the Stags enjoy playing there, the park does pose a few challenges. “Our bowlers are a bit worried about the short boundaries,” How said. “But we’ve had three fantastic games there so far with packed crowds and we really appreciate the support. All the guys love playing there and it will be a great crowd for the final, so make sure you get your tickets early!”
Playing on a home ground, with a home crowd backing the Stags How knows the team can step up to the mark, and although the thought of the Champions League is looming, he’s only after one thing at the moment. “If I can lift the cup after the game I’ll be a happy man,” he concluded.
HRV Cup Final
Central Stags v Auckland Aces
Pukekura Park, New Plymouth
Sunday, 31 January 2010
2.00pm
