Central Stags host Auckland Aces in Ford Trophy final

The top two teams from the regular season will battle it out for the honours in the Ford Trophy on Sunday, with the Central Stags hosting the Auckland Aces in the final.

The Central Stags earned home advantage after a late surge saw them overtake long time competition leaders, the Auckland Aces, with the final to be staged at New Plymouth’s Pukekura Park.

Auckland qualified after a comfortable 73 run win over the Otago Volts in yesterday’s knock-out fixture, while Central, who finished top of the table, were fast-tracked after last Sunday’s preliminary final was abandoned.

The Stags haven’t been in the final since 2005-6 and last lifted the title in 2003-4. In contrast, Auckland made the 2009-10 final and are the current holders after winning last year’s competition.

The match will be broadcast live on SKY TV and Radio Sport and can be followed on the Major Association websites and blackcaps.co.nz.

Ford Trophy Final
Central Stags v Auckland Aces
Pukekura Park
11.00am

Points table
Central Stags - 22
Auckland Aces - 20
Otago Volts - 19
Canterbury Wizards - 17
Wellington Firebirds – 15
Northern Knights – 10

Preliminary finals
Preliminary Finals - 1 v 2 qualifier
5/02/2012 - Central Stags v Auckland Aces
Result: Match Abandoned

Preliminary Finals - 3 v 4 qualifier
5/02/2012 - Otago Volts v Canterbury Wizards
Result: Otago Volts won by 12 runs

Preliminary Final - loser 1 v 2 & winner 3 v 4
8/02/2012 - Auckland Aces v Otago Volts
Result: Auckland Aces won by 73 runs