By Terry Maddaford
Auckland v Canterbury Scoreboard
Canterbury opening batsman Brad Doody has copped a one-match suspension for dissent during Saturday's Shell Cup loss to Auckland and will miss today's must-win clash with Central Districts.
Doody stood his ground after being given out caught behind by umpire Brent Bowden for 10. He eventually left reluctantly with the Auckland players adamant he had hit the ball.
The incident was reported to match commissioner Ray Hopkins who recommended Doody be suspended for one game.
Canterbury have already had Llorne Howell suspended for one match (and fined $400) for spitting in an earlier match and Warren Wisneski was given a warning after a minor incident in Saturday's game.
The loss of Doody for the day-night game at Jade Stadium will be partially covered by the return of Craig McMillan.
Whether the star Black Caps batsman can save the sinking Canterbury ship remains doubtful.
Canterbury coach Gary MacDonald, after watching his team go down by 60 runs to Auckland, said: "We were beaten all over the park. It was very poor. We have been ordinary all season with only the odd good performance. I always thought it would be a huge bonus if we made the semifinals."
And now they face just that. Victory over CD will book Canterbury a top four spot. A loss will end their Cup season.
"Too many of our senior players have not been taking the responsibility they should have," said MacDonald. "It has needed a big individual effort for us to win this season. The loss of guys like Lee Germon and Darrin Murray made a difference for sure. But that can no longer be an excuse. That target of 222 today was gettable."
But in reaching just 161 with only captain Gary Stead going beyond 30, Canterbury never threatened the Aces, who had solid but not spectacular efforts at the top of their order to get them through.
Bryan Young looked on top of his game in reaching 28 before needlessly holing out to Warren Wisneski; Aaron Barnes continued his good run for 33; Lou Vincent returned to something more like his natural game for 30; and Ian Billcliffe smacked a timely 58.
Kyle Mills was the best of the Auckland attack with three wickets but there was again grand support from spinners Brooke Walker in particular and Mark Haslam as the Canterbury effort fell apart.
Adam Parore returns to the Aces line-up today with Jason Mills unluckily dropped. Richard King has also been included at the expense of Stephen Lynch who has been 12th man for the last couple of matches.
The Northern Knights will wait until they have inspected the Eden Park pitch this morning before deciding whether to play New Zealand left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori in his first Cup game of the season.
Northern go into the game still well-placed to hold their lead despite their 31-run loss to Wellington at WestpacTrust Park on Saturday.
The Knights have 12 points - two more than Auckland and Wellington, who too are assured of a place in the semifinals. They will be joined by the winner of the Canterbury-Central Districts game.
In the other 10th round clash, Wellington meet Otago at the Basin Reserve.
Auckland: Blair Pocock, Bryan Young, Aaron Barnes, Lou Vincent, Richard King, Ian Billcliff, Craig Pryor, Adam Parore, Kyle Mills, Brooke Walker, Mark Haslam, Chris Drum (one to be omitted).
Northern Districts: Michael Parlane, Hamish Marshall, Neal Parlane, Mark Bailey, Scott Styris, Matt Hart, Grant Bradburn, Robbie Hart, Alex Tait, Daniel Vettori, Joseph Yovich, Darryl Tuffey, Graeme Aldridge (two to be omitted).
The team and staff are raising funds for the charity this month.