North Otago drew with Southland in a representative cricket match played on Awamoa Park over the weekend, but honours went to Southland on the first innings.

North Otago batted first for 116, to which Southland replied with the good tally of 246. At stumps in its second innings, North Otago had knocked up 103 runs for the loss of three wickets.

More than an hours play was lost on Saturday because of a wet patch to one side of the wicket, while overnight rain had left more than one inch of water on the outfield.

North otago made a hesitant start before K. Williams made a stand of 23 before going out to the bowling of Alabaster. B. Wilson made the second top score of 30 before he was run out - the first of three North otago batsmen to be trapped in this manner by fast returns from the Southland fieldsmen.

In a good last wicket partnership, T. Cartwright , who made 56, and L. Shea (5 not out) added 42 runs.

K. Nicholson spearheaded the Southland bowling attack, taking three for 44, while the experienced G. Alabaster found the wicket to his liking claiming two for 45.

Southland went into a commanding position yesterday morning.

N. Adam (15) was out with the score on 42, but K. Connor went on to make the top score of 72 and with R. Anderson contributing 58, they carried the score on to 144.

North Otago's fielding and bowling improved and a series of quick wickets fell after the lunch break.

L. Hollands (23), G Alabaster (12) and J. Restall (37) halted the collapse, and Southland was all out just before tea for 246.

Shea bowled well for North Otago, claiming five for 75, and the wicket took plenty of spin to assist M. Sandri who took four for 74.

North Otago was 103 at the close of play in its second innings, with N. McKenzie hitting a sound knock of 48 not out. However, he was troubled by the accurate bowling of Southland's Alabaster who claimed two wickets for 33 runs.

Short Scorecard(s)

Representative - Hawke Cup - Zone Series

Southland vs North Otago at Awamoa Park, Oamaru
North Otago 166 ( A.G. Cartwright 56no, R.S. Wilson 30, K. Williams 23, R.S. Payne 11, Nicholson 3-44, Alabaster 2-45 ) & 103-3 ( N.W. McKenzie 48no, R.S. Payne 23, Alabaster 2-33 )
Southland 246 ( K.J. O'Connor 72, R.W. Anderson 58, J. Restall 38, L.D. Hollands 23, N. Adam 15, G.D. Alabaster 12, K.A. Nicholson 11, J.L. Shea 5-75, M.F. Sandri 4-74 )
First innings win to Southland
Full scorecard for the match