Home is away for Firebirds

The lack of a viable backup first-class cricket venue in Wellington means the Firebirds will take their hard-earned home playoff advantage elsewhere for the second time in three seasons.

Preparation for Saturday’s Beers at the Basin event ruled out the Basin Reserve as a venue for Wednesday’s Ford Trophy elimination final against Auckland, which the Firebirds earned the right to host by finishing second to top qualifiers Otago who progressed straight to Saturday’s decider.

Despite Westpac Stadium being made available to host the match, in between two home A-League matches for the Phoenix, Firebirds coach Bruce Edgar said the team’s lack of familiarity with the stadium meant they preferred to play at the Aces’ home ground at Eden Park Outer Oval.

The Northland rain saw Wellington’s final round match against Northern Districts washed out on Saturday, leaving them one point behind a resurgent Otago who beat Auckland by three runs to clinch top spot.

The weather in Whangarei foiled Northern’s hopes, too, as they finished one point behind thirdplaced Auckland to miss out on the playoffs.

Firebirds opener Andrew Fletcher – their 16th and final contracted player – topped the regular season run charts with 612 at an average of 68, well clear of second placed Chad Bowes (Canterbury) who scored 414 at 46.

Among the bowlers, Wellington captain Hamish Bennett led the way with 23 wickets at 13.82, just ahead of Otago’s Jacob Duffy (22 at 19.77).

Defending champions Central Stags finished fifth and Canterbury were wooden spooners.