North Otago through some inept batting, threw away one of its best chances in years of winning a Hawke Cup elimination match when after dismissing South Canterbury for only 151, the local side could only muster a first innings total of 72.

There was little evidence of the effort and stimulation which have been so widely publicised with most batsmen going out playing shots which were indicative of inadequate technique and shallow concentration.

Five of the North Otago batsmen had lost their wicket with shots which gave the easiest of chances behind all too evidence. But to the credit of the side in trying conditions on the first day, which got underway at twenty past four on Saturday, its fielding and bowler were almost inspired at times.

South Canterbury lost their first three wickets for 54 but it was determined fourth wicket partnership between the old stagers Murray Parker and Phil D'Auvergne which took South Canterbury safely out of trouble and into three figures with the pair adding 62 with Parker making 31 and D'Auvergne top scoring with 37.

But once that experienced pair was back in the pavilion the last five wickets fell for only 24 runs. Medium pacers Trevor Robertson and Neville Donaldson bowled with fire and fervour taking 5 for 68 and 3 for 42 respectively while the other wicket went to Chris Taylor at a cost of 18.

The South Canterbury first innings which was 138 for 8 at stumps lasted only 30 or so minutes on the second day before the last batsman was out at 152. But just when the North Otago supporters and possibly the players were beginning to plan the victory celebrations the side collapsed in dramatic fashion. With the first ball of the North Otago innings Harvey King got Michael Ross to step forward at a half volley outside the off stump and Kevin Gloag at third slip took the catch. But even worse was to come. South Canterbury's other opener Carlaw bowled a maiden and then with the first ball of his second over King did it again when Graeme Johnson, opening in the absence of Bob Wilson, edged one to Barry Ward behind the stumps and North Otago were 2 down for 1 run. With the total at Graeme Ballantyne was out.

King's third victim and two runs later was Lindsay Robertson was caught behind to give Carlaw his first wicket and North Otago were 4 down for 12.

Norm McKenzie and Bob Bowman added 20 runs before McKenzie didn't quite get onto a drive from D'Auvergne and King in the covers took his first catch.

Gobie Johnston was stumped by Ward with the total of 41 and shortly after lunch Bob Bowman was out when trying to sweep Barry Andrews and Parker took the easiest of catches. Chris Taylor and Peter Cook added 15 runs before Cook was out to a highly debatable leg before decision to give King his fourth wicket.

Taylor went with the total at 72 and the final wicket that of Trevor Robertson fell without any addition to the score.

For South Canterbury Harvey King, bowling with the strong southerly at his back, generated more pace than some of the North Otago were used to on a pitch that was giving the bowler a little bit of assistance. King found the wickets coming easily. King finished with 4 for 23 and took a couple of valuable catches.

Short Scorecard(s)

Representative - Hawke Cup - Zone Series

South Canterbury vs North Otago at Oamaru
South Canterbury 151 ( P. D'Auvergne 37, M. Parker 31, J. Varcre 24, R. Drake 16, K. Gloag 14, T. Roberson 5-68, N. Donaldson 3-42 ) & 103-3 ( A. Bligh 51, J. Varcre 25, R. Drake 15 )
North Otago 73 ( R. Bowman 24, C. Taylor 11, King 4-24, Varcoe 2-6, D'Auvergne 2-11 )
First innings win to South Canterbury
Full scorecard for the match