It's official! The Auckland Aces will join top qualifiers the Central Stags in the 1v2 Ford Trophy Semi-Final in New Plymouth on Saturday while Northern Districts will host the 3v4 Semi-Final against Canterbury in Whangarei.
Although they headed into today's eighth and final regular season round already confirmed in the top four, and will now host the 3v4 Semi-Final, wet weather at Napier's McLean Park brought a measure of disappointment for Northern Districts as the washout quashed their chance of making the 1v2 Semi-Final — in which the loser gets a second life by proceeding to the midweek Elimination Final (to meet the winner of the 3v4 Semi-Final).
There are no second chances, however, for the loser of the 3v4 Semi-Final.
All three scheduled round eight matches were washed out without a ball bowled, the abandonment at Hagley Oval ensuring that embattled defending champions Canterbury made the cut after all, having fought their way back from a horror start to the season, and last place on the points table.
A home Semi-Final treat is in store for Northland
Non-qualifiers the Wellington Firebirds and Otago Volts must now turn their attention to the denouement of the first-class Plunket Shield season which will resume at the beginning of March.
The winner of the one-day Ford Trophy for 2017/18 stands to receive $60,000 while the runner-up will collect $15,000. There is no prizemoney for minor placings.
Finals schedule
Central Stags v Auckland Aces
Pukekura Park, New Plymouth
11am Saturday 17 February
no reserve day
3v4 Semi-Final
Northern Districts v Canterbury
Cobham Oval, Whangarei
11am Saturday 17 February
no reserve day
