By Victoria Hamilton 
The Super Smash 2024/25 regular season has concluded in dramatic fashion, as persistent rain in Wellington led to the cancellation of the final doubleheader. The Auckland Hearts and Wellington Firebirds saw their last hopes of playoff qualification slip away as no toss was possible, confirming the teams set to compete in the Elimination Finals and Grand Finals this weekend.
Northern Brave and Canterbury Kings Set for Men’s Playoff Battle
The Canterbury Kings, who have staged a remarkable comeback this season, will face the Northern Brave in the Men’s Elimination Final on Saturday, February 1. The winner will move on to challenge the Central Stags in Sunday’s Grand Final. However, if rain disrupts the match and no result is possible, Northern Brave will advance due to their higher standing on the points table.
Canterbury Kings have been a consistent force in recent years, finishing as runners-up for the last four consecutive seasons. However, they have not lifted the trophy since winning the inaugural Super Smash title 19 years ago. In contrast, Northern Brave has secured four titles in recent years, including back-to-back wins in 2022 and 2023.
Wellington Blaze Face Northern Brave Women in Playoff Showdown
In the Women’s Elimination Final, the defending champions Wellington Blaze will take on Northern Brave, with the winner progressing to the Grand Final against the Otago Sparks on Sunday. Just like the men’s format, if rain washes out the match, Wellington Blaze will qualify for the final as the higher-seeded team.
Auckland Aces Finish at the Bottom as Firebirds Miss Out
The Wellington Firebirds, who needed a win in their final match to make the playoffs, will have to settle for a fifth-place finish after sharing points in the washout against Northern Brave. Meanwhile, last season’s champions, the Auckland Aces, endured a tough campaign and ended up bottom of the table in what was an ultra-competitive season.
Super Smash 2024/25 Finals Schedule
📍 Cello Basin Reserve, Wellington
📅 Saturday, February 1, 2025
🕛 12:40 PM – Women’s Elimination Final (Wellington Blaze vs Northern Brave)
🕟 4:25 PM – Men’s Elimination Final (Canterbury Kings vs Northern Brave)
📅 Sunday, February 2, 2025
🕛 12:40 PM – Women’s Grand Final (Otago Sparks vs Elimination Final winner)
🕟 4:25 PM – Men’s Grand Final (Central Stags vs Elimination Final winner)
Zainab Shafiq