Re-match of last season's finals will provide edge in New Plymouth

Canterbury will need no special motivation for their State Shield opener against Central Districts in New Plymouth tomorrow.

The two teams are the finalists from last year's one-day competition and with Central Districts upsetting Canterbury there is every incentive to give the holders a reminder of who the real bosses are.

On the occasion, Canterbury has to be favoured. With its internationals back in for the match it has a formidable look to it.

Craig McMillan, Chris Cairns, Shane Bond and Chris Martin give the side a real edge, and CD without their mastermind captain from last year Jacob Oram will have a real battle to take this game out.

Canterbury will also be looking to get a good start to the competition as they follow up with a game on Thursday in Auckland, so maximum points would be a good start from which to launch the remainder of the campaign.

CD are not without hope however, as Mathew Sinclair especially is looking for runs in a big way and if he could get going on the Pukekura Park pitch there could be some scoring fireworks.

The teams are:

Central Districts: Glen Sulzberger (captain), David Kelly, Jamie How, Mathew Sinclair, Ben Smith, Richard King, Campbell Furlong, Bevan Griggs, Andrew Schwass, Michael Mason, Brent Hefford, Richard Scragg (12th man).

Canterbury: Gary Stead (captain), Craig McMillan, Chris Harris, Chris Cairns, Paul Wiseman, Shane Bond, Chris Martin, Brad Doody, Michael Papps, Darron Reekers, Gareth Hopkins, Carl Anderson, Warren Wisneski.