Initial front-runners in the State Shield, Northern Districts and Canterbury, go into their fourth-round match at Cobham Oval tomorrow having to pick themselves off the deck after suffering comprehensive defeats by Wellington and Otago respectively in the last round.

Their losses left them a point apart on the table - Canterbury having the advantage of a bonus point - behind leaders Wellington, who beat Auckland today in the first match of the new round.

Members of the teams who played in the corresponding fixture last year will not take fond memories back to Whangarei - certainly not the batsmen. Heavy rain before that match made life difficult for the ground staff and a reduced contest saw Northern struggle to 134 in their allotted 43 overs. Canterbury required 41 overs and six wickets to reach the 135-run target.

Chris Martin, Canterbury's main weapon that day with three for 22 off nine overs, will be on hand but their batting man of the day, Chris Harris, with 47, is on international duty in Australia.

Reports this season suggest nothing like the minefield encountered nearly a year ago although a tendency for the ball to keep low has been noted.

Northern Districts will go into the match with the same 12 who succumbed to Wellington: James Marshall, Simon Doull, Matthew Hart, Mark Bailey, Hamish Marshall, Grant Bradburn, Joseph Yovich, Robbie Hart, Daryl Tuffey, Graeme Aldridge, Ian Butler and Jaden Hatwell.

Canterbury come north with Michael Papps, Brad Doody, Jarrod Englefield, Shanan Stewart, Gary Stead, Darron Reekers, Paul Wiseman, Warren Wisneski, Carl Anderson, Ryan Burson, Chris Martin and Stephen Cunis.

© CricInfo