Cricket: Keeper catches break in one-dayers

TOP TWO: Rory Christopherson is in line for his one-day debut today, joining fellow Northlander Brad Wilson (left) in the Northern Knights squad. PHOTO/JOHN STONE

Northland wicketkeeper Rory Christopherson has again won out thanks to injury, this time because Black Cap BJ Watling has damaged a hamstring.

Christopherson made his first-class debut last month after injury to back-up keeper Cameron Fletcher and the unavailability of Watling, becoming the first Northlander in nearly a decade to make a first-class debut for Northern Districts.

The nippy keeper will make his ND debut in the shorter form of the game today against the Wellington Firebirds at Seddon Park, again the first Northlander to do so for several years.

However, Christopherson will be hoping his one-day debut will be more memorable for the right reasons compared to his first-class one - which also was against Wellington.

In his debut match he didn't even get a chance to pull the gloves on, or pick up the bat, after the match was rained out after one session.

While Christopherson will be keen to impress, he is almost guaranteed to hold the top keeping spot as the Knights look to protect top spot for the remaining three fixtures.

Watling is likely to be out for the remainder of the competition after straining a hamstring while batting in the Knights' thumping 151-run win over Central Districts in New Plymouth on Sunday. The Knights are hopeful of Watling's return in time for the finals, should they make them, but this will be contingent on the severity of the Black Cap's hamstring tear.

The Knights have been the form team of the competition, winning their last four matches, two with a bonus point.

The Knights sit one game and a bonus point clear of the second-placed Canterbury Wizards with three matches left.

Joining Christopherson in the squad for the game, which starts today at 10.30am, is fellow Northlander Brad Wilson, although he may not make the playing XI.