A new year, the same result for the Wellington Firebirds who remain winless in the Ford Trophy after a third straight defeat, falling to the Northern Knights by 23 runs at Mt Maunganui yesterday.
The Firebirds almost crafted a late escape when Grant Elliott (78) and Alecz Day (57) put on 80 for the seventh wicket but Ish Sodhi made the breakthrough when he caught and bowled Elliott to end the partnership and Wellington's hopes of a winning start to 2015.
Earlier, the hosts recovered from 189 for seven to post 263 from their 50 overs after some late hitting by Sodhi (35 from 36) and Jono Boult (23 from 16).
Half-centuries by Daniel Flynn (62) and Daryl Joseph (61) set-up a solid platform which was almost wasted by a quick flurry of wickets before the tail moved the Knights past 250.
Wellington sit with Canterbury at the bottom of the table while Northern moved into third behind Auckland and Otago who meet at Eden Park today.
