North Otago limped out of the Hawke Cup cricket competition after suffering a seven-wicket loss to Southland in Invercargill yesterday.

Despite leading on the first innings, North Otago were unable to take control of the game and set Southland a victory target of just 128.

Captain Mark Wilson said the players were very disappointed their season ended with the loss.

"The guys were feeling pretty harsh in the changing room after the game. We're all still a bit gutted."

"We played well in the first innings to get the lead and then things just fell apart a bit in the second."

North Otago made just 101 in their second innings, but came close to escaping with a draw when the rain started to fall.

About four hours of play was lost but Southland were able to get the runs they need in less than 29 overs.

"We were pretty confident when we went out to bat for a second time but we just threw it away," Wilson said.

"I don't know what happened. We just got out and Southland had a bit of luck and ended up winning quite comfortably." Wilson said.

The best of the North Otago batsmen on the first day of the game was St Kevin's College pupil Daniel Gard, who top-scored with 52 in his team's 184.

Gard struck eight boundaries and shared in a partnership for the seventh wicket with Wilson (35).

Union seamer Steven Ridley was the chief destroyer in Southland's first innings, claiming five wickets for 37 runs off 22 overs as the home side were dismissed for 158.

Unfortunately, only opener Glynn Cameron (37) made any score of significance in North Otago's second innings and the game slipped away.

North Otago were severely hamstrung in the absence of all-rounder Grant Billcliff who broke his wrist on Thursday, while key batsman Duncan Drew was unable to get past 13 in either innings.

Southland's best performer was former Otago paceman Mark Billcliff (Grant's brother), who had match figures of nine for 87.

Short Scorecard(s)

Representative - Hawke Cup - Zone Series

North Otago vs Southland at Queen's Park, Invercargill
North Otago 184 ( D.C. Gard 52, M. Wilson 35, A. Dawe 17, T. Geeves 17, C.K. Cunningham 16, D.J. Drew 13, Billcliff 4-68, Reed 3-26, Wadsworth 2-45 ) & 101 ( G.R. Cameron 37, C.K. Cunningham 18, D.J. Drew 13, Billcliff 5-19, Lines 4-44 )
Southland 158 ( K. Lines 40no, D. Williams 27, O. Wilson 21, M. Billcliff 16, D. Cocker 14, B. Freeman 13, G. Folster 12, S. Ridley 5-37, P. Crossan 2-49 ) & 128-3 ( D. Williams 41, G. Folster 34no, B. Sutherland 31, M. Billcliff 18 )
Southland won by 7 wickets
Full scorecard for the match