CRICKET - Northland muscle up for tough clash

Northland has named a strong side to take on Hawke Cup holders Hamilton in an important one-day match tomorrow at Galloway Park in Hamilton.
Northern Districts pace bowler Joe Yovich drops into the side after not being required for ND's two opening State Championship matches, strengthening both the bowling and batting of the side.
The other change from the team that beat Poverty Bay and lost to Bay of Plenty at the Brian Dunning one-day tournament in Taupo recently is the promotion of Kurt Wilson into the side.
"We felt the middle order needed strengthening a little and Kurt has been in good form for his club side this season and was the obvious choice," selector Graham Barlow said.
Barlow said the team had struggled to get some decent time in the nets this week with the week's variable weather but they had improvised and he was hopeful of a positive result.
"Hamilton won't be easy at home, I just hope we get on a decent deck and the weather plays its part, then I'm sure we'll be competitive."
Northland lead the standings in the competition to date but after the loss to Bay of Plenty now have Hamilton breathing down their necks.
Hamilton, as the Hawke Cup holders, are not a threat however, with the main aim of this competition to secure a Cup challenge. Northland's nearest challengers are Counties-Manukau and Poverty Bay but a win this weekend will put them out of danger of being overhauled in the final round - a two-day match against Counties.