Amal Ashok

Amal Ashok has taken to Hawke Cup cricket like a duck to water.

The young right-handed batter scored a century on his debut at this level as North Otago climbed out of a considerable hole in the opening southern zone game of the season at Molyneux Park at the weekend.

Otago Country claimed first-innings honours, scoring 253 in response to North Otago’s meagre first effort of 118.

However, the home side was foiled in its bid for an outright win as North Otago batted much better in its second dig to reach a much more solid 306 for five, and had a lead of 171 when stumps were eventually called.

Ashok, the transplanted Aucklander who has been dominating the Borton Cup competition for his Albion club, led the recovery with a marvellous 107 off 189 balls.

He hit 10 fours and two sixes, and combined with Nick Johnston (37) to add 103 for the third wicket in a partnership that effectively ensured safety for North Otago.

Veteran all-rounder Stephan Grobler then added an unbeaten 78, off 81 balls, and he and Lachie Kingan (34 not out) batted to the close.

It was a different story on the opening day as North Otago crumbled in the 53rd over, only Johnston (31) and Jeremiah Shields (37) — making his 50th appearance — managing scores of substance.

Charnjit Singh did the damage for Otago Country with a magnificent spell of six for 19 off 14.2 overs.

The Country top order then did its job to set up the handy first-innings lead.

Michael Goldstein made a patient 60, Cam Jackson hit seven boundaries in an entertaining 53, and Marcus Frost added 48.

Grobler showed his versatility by taking six for 37 for North Otago.

The other game in the zone, between South Canterbury and Mid Canterbury in Timaru, was abandoned after just 25 overs. Mid Canterbury was 78 for two.

Short Scorecard(s)

Representative - Hawke Cup - Zone Series

North Otago vs Otago Country at Molyneux Park, Alexandra
North Otago 118 ( J.H. Shields 37, N.R. Johnston 31, C. Singh 6-19, S. Singh 2-13 ) & 306-5 ( A. Ashok 107, S.F. Grobler 78no, N.R. Johnston 37, L.T. Kingan 34no, J.H. Shields 21, T.M. Dempster 13, M.D. Frost 2-70 )
Otago Country 253 ( M.P. Goldstein 60, C.J. Jackson 53, M.D. Frost 48, T.B. Cumberland 27, A.S. Gossal 18, S.G. Blakely 12, J.K.I. Shackleton 11no, S.F. Grobler 6-37, J.B. Smith 2-92 )
First innings win to Otago Country
Full scorecard for the match

Player Pages:
Amal Ashok | Stephan Grobler | Nick Johnston |

Team Pages:
North Otago 2021-2022 |