The North Otago cricket side suffered an 84-run loss at the hands of Dunedin Metropolitan in their low-scoring two-day national districts championship match in Dunedin over the weekend.

The loss extinguished any hopes North Otago had of challenging for the title.

North Otago looked to be in with a royal show of gaining first innings points after dismissing Dunedin Metropolitan for 123 on an unpredictable pitch.

However, they were unable to capitalise on the opportunity, being dismissed for 101 runs after batting for a massive 89.4 overs.

Dunedin Metropolitan sealed their outright victory when they made 156 runs in their second innings and then bowled out North Otago for 94.

Karl O'Dowda bowling right-arm in swingers, had a match analysis of 10 wickets for 50.

North Otago captain Mark Wilson said neither side was aided by the Tonga Park pitch which he described as "an absolute shocker".

Wilson said his side felt "pretty confident" in chasing the Dunedin Metropolitan first innings total but were unable to come to grips with the pitch.

Seventeen-year-old Josh Munro was the outstanding performer for North Otago, taking nine wickets for the match.

The medium pace bowler performed credibility against an experienced batting line-up, conceding 61 runs of 24 overs.

Short Scorecard(s)

Representative - National District Championship - Zone Series

North Otago vs Dunedin Metro at Tonga Park, Dunedin
Dunedin Metro 123 ( C. Davies 66, M. Sale 12, A. Hore 12, J. Munro 4-23, D.G. Sewell 2-16 ) & 156 ( C. Davies 42, A. Hore 30, C. McKenzie 25, K. O'Dowda 19no, J. Munro 5-38, D.G. Sewell 3-42 )
North Otago 101 ( K. Gardiner 19, D.G. Sewell 19, D.J. Drew 12, O'Dowda 5-29, Morland 3-32 ) & 94 ( N.W. Rushton 32, K. Gardiner 12, O'Dowda 5-21, Morland 3-16 )
Dunedin Metro won by 84 runs
Full scorecard for the match