Cricket: Weather likely to have final say

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Today's matches at either end of the one-day championship table could go a long way to deciding the fate of four teams in this year's competition.

But there remains the feeling that at all three venues, the terrible weather - which has done its best to disrupt the State Shield - could have the final say.

In Rotorua, Wellington and Northern Districts meet in a top-of-the-table clash which could ultimately decide which team books the automatic berth in the final and with it the home advantage.

At the other end of the scramble, Central Districts and Auckland clash in New Plymouth, with the loser almost certainly out of playoff contention.

Canterbury, the team best placed to challenge for third place and a playoff spot, are away to Otago in Oamaru.

The first one-day match in Rotorua for four years has been a headache for ground staff at Smallbone Park and the local association.

A couple of weeks ago a new $3500 cover was stolen. A replacement was hurriedly found, but on Monday night, vandals uncovered the pitch which was being prepared for today's game.

Heavy rain ruined that strip, but groundsman Stephen McLeod got to work on a new strip yesterday and was quick to assure both camps that the pitch would be a "good'un."

Determined that there would be no further disruption, the association planned to have members sleeping at the ground last night, and intended to leave lights on.

But there remain concerns about the outfield, with the dousing having left it sodden.

While Northern, who trail leaders Wellington by two points, will be keen to play whatever the conditions, Wellington would probably be happy to pick up two points for a no-result.

Top-order batsman Grant Robinson has been called into the Northern side as possible cover for Matt Hart, who tore a hamstring in the convincing win over Otago in Alexandra on Saturday.

Unbeaten Wellington, who have also picked up two bonus points, are the only team to beat Northern in shield play this summer.

That loss sits uncomfortably with Northern captain Robbie Hart, who has led from the front with polished efforts with bat and wicketkeeping gloves.

Northern appear to have the firepower to test Wellington, led by Matthew Bell, who last played at Smallbone Park as a member of the Northern side.

In Joseph Yovich, Northern have the leading wicket-taker after five rounds. His 12 wickets at 13.66 have been instrumental in his team's solid start. Former Aucklander Paul Hitchcock, with 10, has spearheaded Wellington's attack.

Nine former internationals will be in action, with much interest again in Simon Doull's performance at the top of the Northern batting.

The match, with Brent Bowden and Robert Anderson as umpires, starts at noon.