North Otago was humbled by an innings and 72 runs by a powerful South Canterbury side in the U-Bix Cup elimination cricket match played at Centennial Park over the weekend.
North Otago captain Mark Wilson won the toss and put South Canterbury in to bat, hoping there would be some life in the pitch following the recent Shell Trophy game in which the ball seamed considerably.
It was soon clear Wilson's decision would not play dividends as the South Canterbury opening pair got away to a brisk start and realised 50 runs in even time.
South Canterbury's innings was based around stylish knock from opener, James Barrett, who went to make 136.
Middle-order batsmen, Bruce Carlaw and Greg de Joux also were fine contributors with the bat. Carlaw hit 89 off 109 deliveries, including 15 fours, while de Joux was equally aggressive in his innings of 86. South Canterbury was finally dismissed for 434.
Kel Mansfield had a fruitful bowling spell, taking five for 54 off 19, while Campbell Ogilvie took two for 76 off 27..
Mansfield also led the way when North Otago batted. His top score of 37, included several hard-hit boundaries. North Otago was bundled out for a paltry 159 and was asked to follow on by the South Canterbury captain.
North Otago fared a little better in the second innings losing its first wicket at 43. Duncan Drew looked assured at the top of the order, playing several authoritative shots through the offside, but he was caught by Rawson off the bowling of Begg when on 46.
Mansfield chipped in with a quick 33, as did Wilson when he reached the same score.
Alistair Sim was the last North Otago batsmen out with the score at 203, still 72 behind South Canterbury's first innings total.
Short Scorecard(s)
Representative - U-Bix Cup - Zone Series
South Canterbury vs North Otago at Centennial Park Oval, Oamaru
South Canterbury 434 ( K.J. Mansfield 5-54, C. Ogilive 2-76, Pope 2-105 )
North Otago 159 ( K.J. Mansfield 37, M. Wilson 34no, D.J. Drew 16, C. Ogilive 15, G.R. Cameron 14, A. Lemon 11, Rodden 3-20, Hamilton 3-27, de Joux 3-56 ) & 203 ( D.J. Drew 46, K.J. Mansfield 33, M. Wilson 33, G.R. Cameron 23, J. Winslade 12, A. Dawe 11, C. Ogilive 11 )
South Canterbury won by an innings and 72 runs