Northern Knights all-out to beat Firebirds

IAN ANDERSON

Last updated 05:00 18/03/2013

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The Northern Knights have one game left to try and grab the top qualifying spot for the domestic one-day series.

Persistent rain in Auckland yesterday saw their scheduled penultimate round-robin match against the Auckland Aces at Eden Park abandoned without a ball being bowled.

That left the SkyCity Knights still in second place on the six-team Ford Trophy table with one game remaining on Wednesday before the playoffs.

The Grant Bradburn-coached side will meet the Wellington Firebirds at the Basin Reserve on Wednesday seeking a win that could push them past competition leaders Auckland and give them home advantage during the playoffs.

Auckland have 23 points from seven matches to lead the Knights by three points.

All three seventh round games yesterday were abandoned due to rain. That left the Canterbury Wizards third on 17 points, Wellington fourth on 15, the Central Stags (10) needing a big win over Canterbury in Christchurch on Wednesday to make the playoffs while the Otago Volts (6) are out of contention.

The Knights will feature Daniel Vettori in Wednesday's encounter, with the former Black Caps skipper set to return to action for the first time in six months.

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