A key Ford Trophy match originally scheduled to be played at the Cello Basin Reserve tomorrow (Tuesday, 17 February) has now been shifted to the following day, Wednesday 18 February 2026.
High winds in Wellington have caused turmoil for airlines while a drenching, flooding and slips through the middle of the North Island has closed roads, and members of the Northern Districts team have consequently been unable to reach the capital as planned today to assemble in time for Tuesday's round.
In light of the force majeure event, NZC has rescheduled the affected match to this Wednesday.
The last spot in Friday's Ford Trophy Elimination Final is riding on the outcome of the fixture, the Wellington Firebirds and Northern Districts in a head-to-head battle in what's effectively a quarter-final to join the Central Stags in Friday's 2v3 knockout ahead of Sunday's Grand Final.
The other two Round 10 matches scheduled for tomorrow, a top-of-the-table match between the Stags and Canterbury in Nelson, and a visit to Queenstown for the Auckland Aces as they play the Otago Volts in a dead rubber, remain set for this Tuesday at 10.30am.
THE FORD TROPHY
ROUND 10 - revised
10.30am, Tuesday 17 February 2026
Free admission
• At Saxton Oval, Nelson
Central Stags v Canterbury
• At Sir John Davies Oval, Queenstown
Otago Volts v Auckland Aces
• At Cello Basin Reserve, Wellington
10.30am, Wednesday 18 February 2026
Free admission
Wellington Firebirds v Northern Districts
