Knights victory crucial to stay top of table

The Northern Knights are hoping they will still be on track to defend their one-day National Championship title after today's vital match against Otago at Queen's Park in Invercargill.
The match is an important one, with a win likely to see them keep their lead in the competition against third-placed Otago. The southerners trail the Knights and second-placed Auckland by virtue of a less impressive net run rate - with all three tied on two wins and a loss.
Knights skipper James Marshall said it is a battle the team are looking forward to after their narrow loss to Wellington on Sunday at Cobham Oval.
"We've always played pretty well down in Otago, Invercargill in particular is a good ground with a good wicket and there's always a good battle in store for us against Otago," said Marshall.
Otago - like Wellington - weren't expected to beat their more highly-rated rivals Central Districts on Sunday, but a 46-run win at Fitzherbert Park in Palmerston North will have done a lot to motivate the side for today's clash.
Marshall, who almost rescued the team from defeat by smashing a quickfire half-century against Wellington, was sure they can continue to build after below par opening to their title defence.
"We didn't disgrace ourselves (against Wellington) - sure it's a little blow but there are quite a few positives to come out of that game. We just haven't in the three rounds to date been able to put that bat and ball performance together yet and when we do it will be pretty brilliant," he said.