PHOTOSPORT

Stags qualify for Finals Weekend

With two rounds still to play, men's leader the Central Stags has become the first team to ink in their attendance at the Cello Basin Reserve for the Dream11 Super Smash finals weekend on 1 and 2 February.

Whether that is in the Elimination or Grand Final is yet to be seen, meanwhile the Otago Volts will be cursing losing their final round of the regular season to Northern Brave at Mount Maunganui last night.

SCORECARD

The Volts had been in a strong position earlier in the competition, exchanging the lead with the Stags several times.

But now a flat finish leaves them exposed to being overtaken in the race for top three qualification - and, it handed the Stags a free pass, guaranteeing the Stags (currently on 22 points) a top-three finish on the table.

The Stags can still be overtaken for the coveted top spot that confers direct entry to the 2 February Grand Final if Northern Brave or the Auckland Aces finish strong.

Meanwhile, the cellar-dwelling Wellington Firebirds and Canterbury Kings can still get up and finish on 20 points - which would be curtains for the Volts, who are the first men's team to have completed their 10 rounds, and have finished with 18 points.

The Firebirds and Kings are both on 12 points ahead of today's matchday in Christchurch, with two rounds left to play, and four points for each win. Tied points are separated by net run rate.

The Kings play the Stags today at Hagley Oval, making it a must-win for the Kings to stay in contention - and still a pressure game for the roaring Stags who can control their own destiny to keep themselves on course to the Grand Final, but can still be bumped into the 2v3 Elimination Final if they lose to the Kings or Aces.

Tickets to the Finals weekend are on sale now at www.supersmash.co.nz

CELLO BASIN RESERVE, WELLINGTON

Saturday, 1 February 2025 | Elimination Final

11:40am - Gates Open

12:40pm - Women's Elimination Final Match

4:25pm - Men's Elimination Final Match

Sunday, 2 February 2025 | Grand Final

11:40am - Gates Open

12:40pm - Women's Grand Final Match

4:25pm - Men's Grand Final Match

All images: PHOTOSPORT