Northern Districts stick to winning boot camp formula

Reigning Plunket Shield and one-day champions Northern Districts will stick to a successful formula by holding their spring training in the back blocks of Northland this season.
Last year the first-class cricketers went on a three-day "boot camp" around Cape Brett and it paid off in spades on the field - they were easily one of the fittest sides in the competition before going on to win two of the three major titles played for in domestic cricket.
Northland Cricket's Karl Treiber said the side would return over Labour Weekend, to a holiday destination in the Far North.
The former ND spin bowler was roped into organising the three-day camp last year and has been charged with finding a "more civilised" location this year.
"I think I may have out-pioneered a few of the boys last year and this year they're going for a slightly softer option, where there may be a possibility of some cabins for the more gentle of heart," Treiber said.
Tauranga Bay or Matauri Bay has emerged as the most likely options but the location is still to be confirmed.
The team will once again use Whangarei as their second home venue for the 2010-11 season with an unprecedented seven matches scheduled at Cobham Oval.
NCA chief executive Gary Bell said an expanded programme meant that ND would host four of the five provincial sides in Whangarei.
"We've got both forms of the game well covered this season, with three first class games and four one-dayers," he said.
"There is also a chance of a home preliminary final - depending on the Knights position come the playoffs in the one-day competition - my understanding is if they come first or third then that game will be held up here."
"The win and loss record up here has been really favourable for ND - and in terms of four-day cricket it hasn't been hard for them to get results up here - no-one wants to manufacture a result and apart from one game last season, every game had a result and that's a big plus for us," Bell said.
The facilities at the ground compare well with other venues in the country and this year, the new Bella Homes players' pavilion will be used at the venue.
"The new pavilion offers a definite point of difference from other grounds around the country because teams can remain separate for the course of the game - they don't need to come together at meal times because there are separate dining areas as well," Bell said.
Northland won't see any live HRV Twenty20 Cup action this season, with Seddon Park and Mount Maunganui's Blake Park to host the home matches in the series, which will be held during the December period with the final set down for January 2.