After a fifth consecutive defeat, defending men's champion Northern Brave is now in peril of an early exit.

Champions for the past two seasons, Brave got this summer's campaign off to a roaring start with a first-round win over the Central Stags in Hamilton in December, but haven't tasted victory since - and can now reach a maximum of just 20 points, should they win all four of their remaining matches.

Competition leaders the Wellington Firebirds are already on 22 points after having played seven of 10 rounds, and the Auckland Aces moved up to 20 points (with three games to play) following their eight-wicket victory over the Brave at Bay Oval - spearheaded by a fiery 4/14 from BLACKCAPS quick Lockie Feguson, his best figures in this competition.

The Kings are meanwhile on 16 points with two games to play; the Stags 12 points and Volts 10, both with three games to play as the heat goes on to make the top three Finalists.

Today sees dual league leaders the Firebirds and Wellington Blaze in action again at the Cello Basin Reserve where the former early leaders, the Central Hinds will be looking to reignite their charge after two defeats on the bounce.

On the tighter women's table, the Blaze are assured of at least a top four finish, but will have their eyes on maintaining their lead at the head of the table to secure direct entry to the Grand Final on Sunday, January 28 - just a fortnight away.

The second- and third-placed teams in both the men's and women's leagues will play off in the Friday, January 26 Elimination Finals to decide who joins those top qualifiers in the Grand Final.

Matches this week

1. Wellington Firebirds 22 points (7/10 rounds)
2. Auckland Aces 20 points (7/10 rounds)
3. Canterbury Kings 16 points (8/10 rounds)
4. Central Stags 12 points (7/10 rounds)
5. Otago Volts 10 points (7/10 rounds)
6. Northern Brave 4 points (6/10 rounds)

1. Wellington Blaze 22 points (7/10 rounds)
2. Central Hinds 16 points (7/10 rounds)
3. Otago Sparks16 points (7/10 rounds)
4. Canterbury Magicians 12 points (8/10 rounds)
5. Northern Brave 10 points (6/10 rounds)
6. Auckland Hearts 8 points (7/10 rounds)