Cricket: Extra edge to Queenstown clash

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Championship leaders Auckland have ventured into the unknown for their clash with Otago which starts in Queenstown today.

Not only is it one of the newer first class grounds, the weather has not exactly been cricket-like.

Otago coach Glenn Turner, who has been in the Central Otago town for a few days, said he was surprised to see snow halfway down the mountains last week with temperatures reaching a "high" of 8C.

"The weather seems to be picking up," said Turner yesterday. "The talk is of a return to summer-like conditions, so we can only wait and see."

With a local match at the ground over the weekend, Turner did not have the opportunity of checking out the pitch but has no reason to doubt it will not produce a good playing surface.

Auckland have taken the same 11 players who took first innings points from Central Districts in their last outing to Queenstown. Pace bowler Heath Davis, back from injury, has rejoined the team. Jeff Wilson is in the Otago team but faces a fitness test before being included in the playing XI.

Bruce Martin has replaced David Kelly in the Northern Districts team for their seventh round match against Canterbury in Hamilton and Graeme Aldridge also returns.

Robbie Frew, who missed the Wellington game through injury, returns to the Canterbury team. Chris Martin is sidelined by an arm injury, his place going to Stephen Cunis.

Second-placed Wellington play Central Districts at Masterton's Queen Elizabeth Park.

Points (after six of 10 rounds): Auckland 20, Wellington 19, ND 13, Otago, CD 12, Canterbury 7.