Cricket: Needle match for Fleming as Wellington battle for place

Wellington's late surge to reach the Shell Cup cricket play-offs will be decided against Canterbury tomorrow night after they walloped leaders Northern Districts by seven wickets at the Basin Reserve yesterday.

With Wellington needing victory in the final preliminary round to be in the hunt, and Canterbury only slightly better placed to be among the three sides to continue, the day-nighter at Jade Stadium in Christchurch promises to be hard fought.

Wellington coach Vaughn Johnson said last night that there was sure to be plenty of "needle," and no one will be feeling it more than Wellington's new recruit from Canterbury, Stephen Fleming.

"Flem's old team-mates will be giving him the hurry-up, but we'll look to make it work for us," said Johnson.

Wellington's third consecutive cup victory lifted them off the bottom of the table, and Northern are probably the only side assured of being in the play-offs.

They have 11 points, two more than Central Districts and Canterbury, who yesterday beat Auckland by eight wickets and Otago by six wickets respectively.

Auckland and Wellington are on eight, and Otago seven.

There was considerable optimism in the Wellington camp that if they beat Canterbury they would scramble in to the last three.

They would have a higher number of wins than Canterbury, have the advantage of having beaten Auckland twice should Auckland beat Northern tomorrow, and their net run rate is among the best.

Central could be the top qualifier if they can beat Otago in Invercargill tomorrow.

Rain delayed the start of play until 2.30 pm yesterday and the match was reduced to 38 overs each.

After winning the toss, Northern scored 173 for nine after losing six wickets for 15 in the latter stages.

With Fleming (52 not out) and Roger Twose (40) again the dominant figures, Wellington replied with 174 for three in 35.2 overs.

- NZPA