Knights batsmen under pressure

Northern Knights have taken the hard road in their one-day competition finals campaign after losing their preliminary semifinal to Auckland, resulting in a must-win match tomorrow  against Central Stags at Cobham Oval.
A big effort is needed from the Knights to overcome their poor batting effort on Saturday, which saw them all out for 104 in 33.5 overs and lose to the Aces by eight wickets, to pick themselves up for the match against the Stags, who had a convincing six-wicket win over Canterbury, securing their berth  for tomorrow's clash.
While disappointed with Saturday's loss, Knights coach Grant Bradburn said the team had looked at where they went wrong, and would not dwell on it this week.
"We have been playing well up until then - and we just didn't fire on Saturday. We are looking forward to playing at Whangarei on a ground we know and play well on, and where we have beaten Central before. We know what we have to do and just need to execute it," he said.
The Knights are familiar with the Stags' playing combinations, and would prepare for their best, with a 13-man lineup, including Northland's Brad Wilson, added to the team yesterday.
Wilson has been in form of late, snatching two tons this side of Christmas for Kaipara Flats in Northland's premier club competition.
"Brad's an opener so he covers that area, but he has the ability to play anywhere in the order. We will look at the pitch at training [today], and decide on what makeup we will go with then."
There is free entry into Cobham Oval for tomorrow's 50-over major semifinal, which starts at 11am.