KEY POINTS:
Northern Districts are showing the benefits of an all-for-one philosophy as they chase a third straight national one-day victory against bottom-placed Auckland at Seddon Park today.
Having been cleaned out by Wellington in the opening round of the State Shield before Christmas, second-placed ND have put together solid wins against Otago and Canterbury.
And what has pleased captain James Marshall most, is that it's not been done by one or two individuals.
"That's been a bit of a focus of mine," he said yesterday. "Everyone is having their little opportunity to shine and helping us win matches. It's really important we're not relying on one or two people."
A 169-run second wicket stand by BJ Watling and Michael Parlane teed up a strong nine-wicket win over Otago; a 96-run third-wicket stand between Marshall and his brother Hamish pushed ND to a good four-wicket win over Canterbury on Tuesday, Hamish hitting his first Shield century, a rapid 113 off 105 balls.
Throw in significant bowling contributions from the likes of Trent Boult and Joey Yovich and ND have hit on a tasty recipe.
"Maybe the Christmas break was a good thing for us," James Marshall added. "We weren't playing good cricket and probably weren't getting the rub of the green at times. Now the momentum has gone our way and maybe a few decisions as well, and the batters and bowlers are doing their job."
Auckland are 0 from 4 after losing by four wickets to Wellington on Tuesday, despite sterling work by seamer Daryl Tuffey, who had Wellington 17 for three chasing 198, and finished with four for 33.
The batting has failed to provide enough runs, although newcomer Anaru Kitchen has caught the eye with top-scoring innings of 69 and 65 in his first two one-day innings since making his debut against Canterbury on Boxing Day.
Marshall isn't being fooled by the points table. "We've lost three in a row before and teams can come out firing from that. All they need is one win and it might kick-start things. But we definitely don't want to be that team," he said.
Auckland have retained the same 12 from the Wellington loss and added batsman Jeet Raval. There is a question mark over captain Richard Jones, with the imminent arrival of a baby. If Jones is a late withdrawal, wicketkeeper Gareth Hopkins will take over as captain.
In today's other games, leaders Central Districts host Canterbury at Palmerston North and Wellington are at home to Otago.
Points after three rounds of the State Shield: CD 10, ND 9, Wellington 8, Otago 7, Canterbury 6, Auckland 0.
SQUADS
Northern Districts v Auckland
Seddon Park, 11.30am today
ND: James Marshall (c), Hamish Marshall, BJ Watling, Michael Parlane, Kane Williamson, Joey Yovich, Peter McGlashan, Bruce Martin, Graeme Aldridge, Trent Boult, Bradley Scott, Brent Arnel (one to be omitted).
Auckland: Richard Jones (c), Martin Guptill, Paul Hitchcock, Anaru Kitchen, Reece Young, Gareth Hopkins, Steven Croft, Colin de Grandhomme, Jeet Raval, Daryl Tuffey, Roneel Hira, Colin Munroe, Chris Martin (two to be omitted).
