CRICKET - Wilson to lead side to play Counties

Northland have named the same side that beat Hamilton last week for their vital two-day game against Counties-Manukau this weekend at Cobham Oval.
The side need first innings points at the very least, to earn a Hawke Cup challenge later in the year but a loss to their nearest challengers would hand that coveted opportunity to Counties.
Northland selector Graham Barlow said they had had to wait to find out what Northern Districts were doing before naming their squad late yesterday.
ND have released Joe Yovich, who has yet to open his account in the State Championship series this season and Brad Wilson, who was recalled to the side for ND's match against Wellington this week.
Barlow was upbeat about the side's chances after a very good win against Hamilton in their one-day match at Galloway Park last weekend.
An 89-run partnership between Brett Hood and Yovich set Northland's chase on solid ground after losing early wickets and the side chased down 189/7 to win the match with nine balls to spare.
"If we can play like we did last weekend in Hamilton then we'll do very well, apparently that was the first time that Hamilton have lost a one-day match in four years," he said.
"We were really competitive in all departments and we really should have won by four or five wickets rather than just three."
Barlow said different qualities would be required to win in the longer form of the game but he was sure that Northland could produce the goods in the two-day match.
"It means we'll have to show the ability to occupy the crease for long enough to build an innings properly without having to worry about run rates," he said.
A good first innings score should set up the match for the home side.
"Basically we need to win on first innings. That's the bottom line and that's what we're aiming for."
Northland has 24 points, four points more than Counties-Manukau and they need to keep their noses in front to get the challenge against holders Hamilton. Counties need an outright win to gain the challenge, if they win first innings points, the two sides would be level on points and the challenger would be decided by countback regulations.
ND have also released wicket-keeper batsman Peter McGlashan to play for Counties.
The Northland 1st X1 team is: Brad Wilson (captain), Joel Ashley, John Child, Brett Hood, Bert Horner, Stephen John, Josh Matthews, Jamie Millar, Chris Page, Ian Page, Kurt Wilson, Joseph Yovich, plus one to be added.