Top-of-the table Auckland have the chance to reverse their away result against Northern Districts when the neighbours meet at Eden Park in the sixth round of the State Championship starting tomorrow.

Northern, who start this match in fourth place with 14 points, produced a five-wicket victory in the fourth round clash between the two teams in Hamilton after Christmas. They would prefer to have that in mind rather than the one-wicket loss they suffered to Wellington after allowing the southern visitors back into the match in the last round of the competition.

Auckland, on 19 points, come into this match after an innings defeat of Canterbury that confirmed them as a better four-day than one-day side.

The match will take place on the Outer Oval where fine weather over the past five days will at least guarantee a much faster outfield than Auckland and Canterbury had to contend with on the main ground last week. The weather should also ensure that the two teams start on a harder surface than the drop-in pitch provided last week after preparations were affected by days of rain.

Northern Districts will bring north the same 12 who line up in the match against Wellington: James Marshall, Matthew Hart, Michael Parlane, Scott Styris, Hamish Marshall, Grant Bradburn, Robbie Hart, Joseph Yovich, Simon Doull, Bruce Martin, Graeme Aldridge and Simon Andrews.

Injury sustained during the Canterbury match has forced the withdrawal of the young pace bowler Gareth Shaw from the Auckland line-up. With concern also over the fitness of Tama Canning, two bowlers, regular squad member Richard Morgan and a new addition, the medium pacer Sanjeewa Silva, have been brought in as cover with a decision to be made on the morning of the match.

The Auckland 13 are: Mark Richardson, Matt Horne, Tim McIntosh, Llorne Howell, Aaron Barnes, Nick Horsley, Rob Nicol, Brooke Walker, Tama Canning, Reece Young, Chris Drum, Richard Morgan and Sanjeewa Silva.

© CricInfo