In an exciting finish to the representative cricket match played between North Otago and Ashburton at Centennial Park on Saturday and Sunday the local side failed by one wicket to take the outright although on the other hand Ashburton were only five runs short of the outright victory when the last ball was bowled.

North Otago batted first after being put in on a green top pitch and were dismissed for 165 after losing the first eight wickets for only 85 runs.

The highlight of the innings was a fine tenth wicket partnership between Trevor Robertson and number eleven batsmen Neville Donaldson who put on 53 for the last wicket with Robertson top scoring with 46 invaluable runs. Donaldson was not out on 23.

Mid Canterbury rugby fullback Murray Holmes was the pick of the bowlers, opening the attack with Peter Hansen. Holmes off 24 overs and two balls took four wickets for 34 runs.

Richard Taylor took three for 37; Peter Hansen two for 30 and Steve Girvan one for 39.

Ashburton opened their innings at 4.50pm on Saturday and added 77 runs for the loss of two wickets before stumps with Ashburton captain Alan Williams not out on 56.

Ashburton rattled on the runs in the first session of play on Sunday morning adding 70 runs in the first hour or so of play with Williams going on to score 117 before he was dismissed with the total at 162.

Ashburton lost their fifth wicket, that of Mably without any addition to the total and the game swung back North Otago's way as spinners Chris Taylor and Norm McKenzie ran through the lower order batsmen before Ashburton declared 28 minutes before lunch nine wickets down for 210.

Taylor returned his best figures of the representative season with five for 58 off 22 overs while McKenzie took two for 38 and admirable foil for Taylor.

North Otago started their second innings 45 runs in arrears and once again the upper order batsmen failed to build an innings and at five down for 89 the game was fast swinging Ashburton's way.

But an aggressive 48 from Taylor, which included nine fours brought North Otago back into play and Norm McKenzie was able to declare at nine down for 184 leaving Ashburton the task of scoring the 143 runs for victory in a matter of 22 overs.

The challenge was issued and Alan Williams had no hesitation in responding. Smith and Clive Williams added 35 for the first wicket before Michael Ross running backwards and took a superb catch to dismiss Smith.

Ashburton continued to attack and chase the runs but the wickets continued to fall and when the visitors lost their fifth and sixth wickets at 75 the game appeared headed for draw.

But it was the redoubtable Peter Hanson who, after a spell of 28 overs with the ball, brought the game back Ashburton's way when in a display of power hitting he took two sixes and a four of three successive deliveries to put Ashburton in an excellent position.

Hansen was caught behind by Bowman 37 runs short of the target of 143 but it appeared that with Steve Girvan at the crease and scoring freely Ashburton were in with a royal show.

But North Otago, not to be outdone, took the wickets of Richard Taylor out to a magnificent running and diving catch from Graeme Johnson to leave Ashburton eight runs short of their target and with two wickets still in hand.

Girvan took three of the fourth ball of the second last over and with the last over to be bowled North Otago required two wickets and Ashburton needed five runs.

David Reid struck a vital blow for the local side with the first ball of the last over he clean bowled Girvan Smith, the last batsman, played out the last five balls to draw the game.

Bowling for North Otago Reid finished with four for 59 off his 11 overs while Robertson took three for 69 off his sixty six deliveries.

Short Scorecard(s)

Representative - Hawke Cup - Zone Series

Ashburton County vs North Otago at Centennial Park Oval, Oamaru
North Otago 165 ( T. Roberson 46, N. Donaldson 23no, G. Johnson 21, R. Bowman 11, Holmes 4-34, Taylor 3-37, Hansen 2-30 ) & 187-9dec ( C. Taylor 48, G. Johnson 23, G. Taiaroa 23, R. Bowman 23, M. Ross 22, L. Robertson 21, Hansen 4-37, Burton 3-59 )
Ashburton County 210-9dec ( A. Williams 117, S. Girven 18no, R. Isherwood 15, W. Smith 15, C. Williams 14, P. Hansen 12, C. Taylor 5-58, N.W. McKenzie 2-38 ) & 138-9 ( P. Hansen 31, S. Girvan 29, C. Williams 23, W. Smith 20, D.W. Reid 4-59, T. Roberson 3-69 )
First innings win to Ashburton County
Full scorecard for the match