The South Canterbury representative cricket team withstood a challenge from North Otago for the Richards Trophy at Timaru during the weekend. After the first innings collapse, the North Otago batsmen fought back in torrid head to force a draw.

The highlight of the match was one of the best opening partnerships of South Canterbury representatives cricket for many years. E. Edrich and 20-year-old R. Taiaroa, both scoring almost chanceless centuries, piled on 220 runs before the home side had to call on new batsmen.

On Saturday, they were hardly troubled by the rather weak North Otago attack, only M. Collings causing them any concern. Taiaroa, who was out for 112, made his century in 154 minutes. He hit 16 4's. Edrich, the experienced of the two, was 84 when Taiaroa hit his 100. He went on to reach his century in 189 minutes. Hitting out freely, he scored 131 in 212 minutes before he was caught behind. His total included 18 4s and one 6.

With 333 on the board, South Canterbury declared with four wickets down. Collings, medium-paced right-arm bowler, had taken three for 102 off 33 overs.

North Otago lost two early wickets to the fast bowlers, and then Hill and Geddes staged a partnership worth 43 runs. It was the change to spin bowling which spelled disaster for the visitors. Jack, in a brilliant spell, had five wickets for one run of six overs. Carter got three for 11, and North Otago were out for 72.

With the match virtually in the bag, South Canterbury did not force the follow-on, but took a second strike to give the lower batsmen experience. Collings was again the best of the North Otago attack, taking three for 27 of 12 overs. South Canterbury declared at 138 for seven wickets.

In the heat of the afternoon, the South Canterbury bowlers, fast and slow, did not have it their own way when North Otago came in facing the task of needing 400 runs in four hours to win.

Wallace, Hill, McPhee, Geddes, Kelman and Collings all reached double figures, but it was Geddes who sparkled. He hit all round the wicket for his 97, and was unlucky not to get a well-earned century.

Short Scorecard(s)

Representative - Richards Trophy -

North Otago vs South Canterbury at Fraser Park, Timaru
South Canterbury 333 ( E. Edrich 131, R. Taiaroa 112, R. Phillips 30no, R. Carleton 12, L. Walker 12no, M. Collings 3-102 ) & 138-7dec ( G. Marshall 43, R. Carter 22, N. Dellow 21, L. Walker 16, E. McEwen 15, M. Collings 3-27, J. Sewell 2-27 )
North Otago 72 ( R. Hill 38, I.T. Geddes 13, Jack 5-1, Carter 3-11 ) & 223-9 ( I.T. Geddes 97, R. Hill 34, M. Collings 22, A. Kelman 20no, A. Wallace 15, J. McPhee 12, Thomas 6-60, Marshall 2-38 )
First innings win to South Canterbury
Full scorecard for the match