In a fitting climax to the State Championship the State Auckland Aces, current leaders of the provincial four-day competition, will play defending champions the State Wellington Firebirds in the final round at Colin Maiden Park starting tomorrow.

The match will decide the State Championship for the 2001/02 season. First innings points will secure the State Championship for the State Auckland Aces.

The State Auckland Aces team includes one change after its 35-run win over the State Canterbury Wizards in Christchurch last Thursday. Howick Pakuranga's Bradley Nielsen, a debutant against the State Canterbury Wizards, suffered a hand injury and has been replaced by Parnell batsman Matt Cairns. Cairns is selected after showing solid form for the Parnell Club in the Crown Relocations Trophy, the men's premier grade club two-day competition.

"The players are greatly looking forward to playing this final match to decide the competition. It will be a fitting finale to the State Championship," said Tony Sail, State Auckland Aces coach and convener of selectors.

The State Auckland Aces team to play the State Wellington Firebirds is:

Brooke Walker (captain)
Andre Adams
Tama Canning
Matt Cairns
Nick Horsley
Llorne Howell
Tim McIntosh
Rob Lynch
Rob Nicol
Gareth Shaw
Sanjeewa Silva
Reece Young

© Auckland Cricket Association