Several newcomers to Northern Districts will have their chance to impress the region's selectors ahead of the State Championship when playing Auckland in a practice match on Eden Park's outer oval on Monday and Tuesday.

Former Auckland batsman Nick Horsley, Central Districts batsman David Kelly and bowler Gareth West have been named in the ND side. The absence of Scott Styris, Daryl Tuffey, James Marshall and Bruce Martin are still to return from Australia where they complete club appearances on Saturday.

The side is: Michael Parlane, Hamish Marshall, Joseph Yovich (Northland), David Kelly (Counties Manukau), Nick Horsley, Gareth West (Thames Valley), Grant Robinson, Daniel Vettori, Simon Andrews (Hamilton), Matthew Hart, Robbie Hart, Graeme Aldridge (Bay of Plenty).

The Northland players have already had a boost to their season by winning the right to represent Zone 1 in the Hawke Cup.

One round of games remain in the elimination series but Northland have built an unassailable lead.

The points, before Thames Valley play Midlands at Cambridge, Counties Manukau play Hamilton in Pukekohe and Bay of Plenty play Poverty Bay in Rotorua are: Northland 38, Bay of Plenty 24, Hamilton 20, Poverty Bay 20, Thames Valley 20, Counties Manukau 8, Midlands 0.

The ND team for the national Under-19 tournament to be played at Lincoln University from December 11-23 has been named.

It is: Keir Bettley, Morne Scheepers, Greg Steele (Hamilton), Brad Chard, Lance Jessup, Chris Newson, Michael Pinny, Brad Wilson (Northland), Daniel Flynn, Tevita Levao (Bay of Plenty), David Richardson (Thames Valley). Non-travelling reserves are: Peter Carey, B J Watling, Cameron Weight (all Hamilton). The team will be coached by Philip Parker and managed by Bill Burnell.

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