An innings and 44-run loss to Central Otago was not without its positive factors as North Otago went down fighting in its first Fuji-Xerox cricket match of the season at Alexandra's Molyneux Park at the weekend.
North Otago coach Bruce Sewell contributed the loss mainly to a 168-run partnership for the eighth wicket between Jonathan Smaill (136) and Gary Lockhart (75) which carried Central through to declare at 397 for nine late on the first day.
North Otago planned on batting if it won the toss but on discovering that the wicket was very greasy and hard, decided to put Central Otago in.
"We put them in knowing full well that we would have to make the most of the first three hours. Unfortunately our bowlers weren't on target for the first two hours and we couldn't get the early break we needed".
After approximately six-and-a-half hours in the field in 30 degree heat, North Otago made a modest start to its first innings and was eventually dismissed for 248. Stephen Neil, who usually bats at No.9, came in as the night watchman, batting at No.3 and complied a tidy 62 before he caught of the bowling of Gary Lockhart.
Lockhart took three for 11 and was well supported by off-spinner Graeme Soper with three for 74 of more than 30 overs.
North Otago followed on 149 runs behind and looked to be in trouble at 24 for four. From being 70 for seven at tea the tail enders eked out 30 or so more runs until the side was all out for 105 an hour before stumps.
"I think it would be fair to say that the final score didn't reflect the manner in which we did compete with Central Otago," Mr Sewell said.
He identified two tuning points in the match when his team was right in contention, the first when North Otago had Central seven down for 209, before they staged the hefty tail-end partnership.
The second was when North Otago finished day one only three wickets down with 100 runs on the board.
Mr Sewell also mentioned the 95-run partnership between Neil Rushton and Stephen Neil for the fifth wicket that carried North Otago through to 204 for four, as well as the effort in the field of Aaron Dawe who took four catches,, two excellent ones in the slips.
"Of the three losses that we have had, this was probably the game which we have been the most competitive."
North Otago plays its next Fuji Xerox game against Ashburton in Oamaru at the weekend.
Short Scorecard(s)
Representative - Fuji Xerox Cup - Zone Series
North Otago vs Central Otago at Molyneux Park, Alexandra
Central Otago 397 ( J. Smail 136, G. Lockhart 75, R. Allison 60, C. Finch 29, T. Kitto 28, A. Flannery 11, G. Soper 11no, A. Lemon 4-104, C. Wilson 3-85, N.W. Rushton 2-59 )
North Otago 248 ( S. Neil 62, G.R. Cameron 38, N.W. Rushton 35, D.J. Drew 32, M. Wilson 11, Hinton 4-44, Lockhart 3-11, Soper 3-74 ) & 105 ( C. Wilson 33no, A. Dawe 16, C.K. Cunningham 16, Hinton 4-22, Soper 3-26, Smith 2-12 )
Central Otago won by an innings and 44 runs
Full scorecard for the match