Top of the table clash now down to three-day match

Auckland's weather conspired to wash out the first day of play in the top-of-the-table State Championship match with Canterbury at Eden Park today.

The game is scheduled for the main oval at the ground to test the portable pitch block but there was never any chance of it being trialed today.

Early morning drizzle had turned to rain by the start time of 10.30am. An early lunch was scheduled with a prospective start time of 1.15pm.

Play was finally abandoned for the day at 1.40pm.

There were concerns with the outfield, especially in front of the South Stand where some bare areas would have required extra drying before play was possible.

No decision was made on the final make-up of the sides.