The North Otago representative cricket squad were defeated by just five runs in a nail biting warm-up game against South Canterbury at Aorangi Park in Timaru yesterday.
Chasing 188 to win in a biting south-easterly wind, North Otago were nine wickets down and needed six runs off the last three balls, when Richard Sidon fell leg before wicket.
However, North Otago's was a gutsy performance despite the loss.
Player/coach Keith Gardner, who opened the batting, produced an invaluable 43 to provide a solid base as he batted through nearly 20 overs. Gardner struck just one boundary in a meticulous 121-ball, 160 minute innings.
North Otago overcame a horror start - the other opener, Duncan Drew went for four runs and No.3 batsman Gerry Ward for a duck - to struggle through to 68 for five.
Jason Mavor added a lively 24 runs but middle order batsman Kelvin Mansfield stole the limelight with a spectacular 37 of 31 balls. His knock included three sixes and two fours.
The tail order also produced some late entertainment, although Matthew Tait (11), Neil Rushton (14) and Sidon (7) all became victims of right arm medium pacer Struan George, as a win gradually became more difficult.
Earlier, North Otago achieved their fist target when they held South Canterbury to less than 190 runs.
They made an early breakthrough when Chris Davies was sent on his way by Neil Rushton for a golden duck.
However, the second and fourth wicket partnerships proved to be harder to crack and South Canterbury were poised comfortably at 102 for four.
Sidon and Mark Wilson did most the damage. Wilson removing four batsmen for 47 runs off nine overs, and Sidon three for 40 off ten. Wilson was hit for 17, including an eight when George smashed a six off a no ball, in the final over.
Short Scorecard(s)
Representative - Friendly -
North Otago vs South Canterbury at Aorangi Park, Timaru
South Canterbury 187-9 ( S. Begg 38, P. Duffield 31, A. Buckingham 23, G. Brookland 20, J. Hunter 15, M. Wilson 4-47, R. Sidon 3-40 )
North Otago 182 ( K. Gardiner 43, K.J. Mansfield 37, J. Mavor 24, N.W. Rushton 14, M. Wilson 11, M. Tait 11, George 4-27, Hunter 2-28, Drennan 2-32 )
South Canterbury by 5 runs
Full scorecard for the match