North Otago's middle order failed to fire as it suffered a first innings loss against South Canterbury in a rain interrupted Fuji-Xerox Cup zone six elimination match played at Aorangi Oval in the weekend.
Chasing South Canterbury's first innings total of 265, North Otago recovered after losing two wickets for 13 runs to be well poised at 92 for the loss of three. A 37-run partnership between opener Duncan Drew and Mark Wilson appeared to have consolidated North Otago's innings when the middle order collapsed.
North Otago lost five wickets for the addition of just 118 runs before rear-guard action by Aaron Dawe and Neil Rushton carried the total through to 151 just before tea.
Drew was the only batsman to play South Canterbury's medium pace attack with any confidence scoring a patient 42. His innings which lasted 185 minutes included four fours and a six.
Asked to follow-on, North Otago's batting showed a vast improvement as it reached 66 for the loss of one wicket at stumps.
Stuart Deans (23 not out) and Marcel McKenzie (28 not out) were unbeaten as South Canterbury was forced to use its slower bowlers in the deteriorating light.
South Canterbury's opening batsman James Barrett had earlier top scored for the home team with a fine innings of 87. Barrett batted for 159 minutes and hit 11 fours and two sixes.
Rushton and John Crombie were the best of the North Otago bowlers each taking four wickets on a pitch which favoured the seamers.
A total of four hours was lost due to rain that fell intermittently during the weekend.
North Otago coach Bruce Sewell said today he was disappointed with the result although emphasised there were some "positives" to come out of the match.
Mr Sewell said North Otago's bowling especially in the first hour on Saturday was outstanding while Drew's inning was to class.
"We could have easily dismissed them for 150 if we had a bit of luck. Our bowlers were too good for them in the first hour and beat the bat repeatedly without getting an edge," he said.
The commitment in the field and lower order batting by late replacement Aaron Dawe were also commendable, he said.
However, Mr Sewell had harsh words for the middle order batsmen who were dismissed cheaply because of poor shot selection.
"The top order showed plenty of application to graft through to 92 odd for three and then the middle got themselves out with bad shots. But the players know that and will be working hard to rectify it."
North Otago plays its next Fuji-Xerox Cup match against Central Otago at Centennial Park on December 16-17.
Short Scorecard(s)
Representative - Fuji Xerox Cup - Zone Series
North Otago vs South Canterbury at Aorangi Park, Timaru
South Canterbury 265 ( J. Barrett 87, S. Begg 46, G. Brookland 45, L. Hamilton 21no, N.W. Rushton 4-69, J.B. Crombie 4-71 )
North Otago 151 ( D.J. Drew 42, M. Wilson 24, A. Dawe 23no, N.W. Rushton 18, K.J. Mansfield 17, Charles 4-44, Rawson 3-27, Elliotte 2-30 ) & 66-1 ( M.N. McKenzie 28no, S. Dean 23no )
First innings win to South Canterbury
Full scorecard for the match