It's all happening down at Mount Maunganui's Bay Oval as the SkyCity Northern Knights take on the Wellington Firebirds this afternoon.

This is the first of two games to be played this week as the Knights go on the hunt for the Ford Trophy, which has been contested for by teams since the 1971/72 season.

The SkyCity Northern Knights take on the Wellington Firebirds down at Mount Maunganui's Bay Oval this afternoon. Photo: Bruce Barnard

The first innings is now all wrapped up and after being sent into bat first the Knights have posted a score of 263/9.

Top Knights scorer was opener and captain Daniel Flynn who hit 62 off of 81 balls, and also passed 2000 List A runs for the Knights when he reached 16.

Next highest scorer was Darryl Mitchel who struck 61 off of 76 balls, which included hitting four 4's and two 6's.

The Knights made the final of this competition last year but are looking to improve after falling at the last hurdle against the Wellington Firebirds.

This will be the first home match of their campaign and the Knights will also take the field for a return bout with the Otago Volts at the Bay Oval on Sunday, January 4.