.png)
As the men's domestic season has fired up with the Red Ball we turn our attention over to the White Ball for the next few months. With strong competition among all teams, it shows the quality of the New Zealand Domestic Scene. Will the Stags go back to back or will another team knock them off their tower?
Otago Volts
The Volts started to look promising last season with making the making the elimination final last season however they got pummelled in the process with Canterbury winning by 129 runs. Otago has some newcomers in Ollie White getting installed into the White Ball side, while Jamal Todd might get a run-in after a promising Plunket Sheild campaign so far. Overall this young side needs to keep their core while branching out into selecting club players who have performed well.
Canterbury
Canterbury needs to continue on their runners-up from last season against the Stags. Their core is the exact same with no new faces apart from Rippon and Rae joining from Otago. With no Henry Nicholls who is playing for the Blackcaps, the team is close to the same. I expect Canterbury to be a real contender going into this White ball season.
Central Stags
The Stags are the defending champs and they are bringing the heat. With the same core as last year it will not be an easy task for any other team. Starting 2 for 4 in the Plunket Sheild was an alright start however they need to click fully into gear. With the Stags increasing their Blackcaps presence it will be an uphill battle this season to retain the Ford Trophy.
Wellington Firebirds
The Firebirds will need to improve on last season if they want to have any chance in the white ball. Wellington has the same issue as the Stags with their young core starting to get selected for the Blackcaps. However, Wellington's recruitment this season has been excellent finding gems who have performed well in the Plunket Sheild. If Wellington stays on track I expect them to do well.
Northern Districts
Northern Districts have had a near-perfect start to the season winning 3 and drawing in 1 in the Plunket Sheild. Missing out on the Preliminary Final by a point last season they need to keep it up and push on this season. Kris Clarke was a standout in the Plunket Shield However he got dropped in the final game for the year. Overall they need to keep up the good work and keep going.
Auckland Aces
The Aces have started off terribly in the Plunket Shield losing 3 and drawing one. Sean Solia has been the only plus to the side being the top run scorer so far this season. If teams can keep Finn Allen quiet this season Auckland won't see much light with him either scoring big or failing entirely. Auckland needs to ensure that their players start performing sooner rather than later otherwise I expect a long season for them.
Predictions
The season will be a toss-up with last season only having 1 win between 3rd and 6th. Any team could do well in the Ford Trophy. I expect Canterbury to come out on top, with the Stags and Firebirds making the final and preliminary final respectively. Otago will come 4th with Northern Districts in 5th and Aces in 6th.
Comments