Central Otago found its target of 237 too great as North Otago took outright points in the U-Bix Cup elemination match at Molyneux Park, Alexandra, in the weekend.

North Otago had the first use of the new wicket strip, but the loss of early wickets gave Central plenty of heart. The only batsman to shine for North Otago was veteran Norm McKenzie.

He scored 66 valuable runs, and was instrumental in giving North Otago at least a resonable target for Central to chase.

Five 4s and five 3s were included in his toral, and he, along with Ashley Flannery, pulled North Otago out of trouble.

Flannery, who scored 19, was well caught behind by Ken McKnight.

The rest of the North Otago team struggled against some steady Central Otago bowling, and were in deep trouble with leg spinner, Stan Woolliscroft.

Woolliscroft was right on the spot, bowling 19.2 overs and having tyhe excellent return of six for 28.

Central Otago's start to its innings, chasing North Otago's 144, started steadily, but on 34, it lost three wickets and the game was evenly poised.

Garry Lochart and Woolliscroft then steered the innings Central's way, with a partnership of 32 in 39 minutes.

Lochart was last man out with his score on 42 and Central's on 136, only eight runs behind North Otago.

Yesterday North Otago consilidated, with Graham Ballantyne (22), Nigel Cartwright (37) and John Hills batting well, before the later was run out for 62.

Kelvin Mansfield then scored 50 as North Otago was all out for 238, leaving Central Otago 247 to win.

Woolliscroft again dominated, bowling 44.4 overs and taking five for 93 to give him 11 wickets for the match.

Central Otago stared in quick fashion, with openers Flannery and Geoff Blakely putting on 50 runs in 35 minutes. Flannery was all class in his 37, while Blakely played with aggression for his 37.

But Lochart was the batsman to shine. He scored 75 with some well timed shots, and with McKnight put on 45 in 20 minutes.

McKnight played three glorious cover drives to the boundary for his 21.

But in the end the target was too great, and Central Otago fell short by 36 runs.

Short Scorecard(s)

Representative - Cyclone Hawke Cup - Zone Series

North Otago vs Central Otago at Molyneux Park, Alexandra
North Otago 144 ( N.W. McKenzie 66, A. Flannery 19, G. Johnson 14, S. Woolliscroft 6-28, R. Thomas 2-26, G. Lockhart 2-35 ) & 238 ( E.J. Hills 62, K.J. Mansfield 50, N.D. Cartwright 37, G.J. Ballantyne 22, G. Johnson 20, A. Flannery 12, S. Wooliscroft 5-93, J. Barrie 2-25 )
Central Otago 136 ( G. Lockhart 42, K. McKnight 24, D. Flannery 19, G. Blakely 14, M.W. Julius 4-30, A. Flannery 4-30 ) & 210 ( G. Lockhart 75, D. Flannery 32, G. Blakely 27, K. McKnight 21, J. Pyle 19, G. McLelland 12, M.W. Julius 5-34, A. Flannery 2-29, B. Sewell 2-59 )
North Otago by 36 runs.
Full scorecard for the match

Player Pages:
Kelvin Mansfield | Norman McKenzie |