The North Otago cricket side drew its match with Central Otago in the first U Bix elimination match of the season in Alexandra at the weekend.

Central Otago won the toss on Saturday and elected to baton the Molyneux Park wicket. The side began badly, with North Otago captain Sean Tracy taking three quick wickets to leave them at 35 for 4.

Ian Rutherford and Gary Lockhart set about rebuilding the innings.

Their partnership continued for 180 runs, before Tracy had Rutherford caught behind for 128.

Central Otago finally declared at 356 for eight, with Lockhart finishing on 85. Tracy was the kingpin of the North Otago attack, taking five for 57.

North Otago resumed yesterday after reaching 11 without loss at stumps. Opener David Reid cemented the North Otago innings with a solid 130 scored in 459 minutes containing 13 boundaries.

Reid was involved in two 50 run partnerships, with Alan Sandri and Michael Willets, as well as a 100 run partnership with John Hills who scored 51.

Reid departed with the score at 264, and after losing two further wickets, North Otago finished at 322 for seven. Gary Lockhart completed a good all-round performance, taking three for 66 for Central.

Short Scorecard(s)

Representative - U-Bix Cup - Zone Series

North Otago vs Central Otago at Molyneux Park, Alexandra
Central Otago 356 ( I. Rutherford 128, G. Lockhart 85, P. Marshall 32no, B. Willocks 24no, J. Barrie 17, K. McKnight 12, A. Wills 11, S.R. Tracy 5-57, T. Patton 2-70 )
North Otago 322-7 ( D.W. Reid 130, E.J. Hills 51, M. Willetts 30, P.D. Bleach 29no, A.D. Sandri 27, N.D. Cartwright 13, K.J. Mansfield 11no, Smith 3-31, Lockhart 3-66 )
No result
Full scorecard for the match