Not even a brilliant 90 by North Otago captain Norman McKenzie could keep out the strong Ashburton side in their two day match played at Awamoa Park this weekend. Batting first North Otago batted slowly to be all out shortly after 5 o'clock on the first day with 218 on the board. Dropped catches in the final hour of play by the local side let Ashburton of the hook. In all at least four catchable balls were put down.

Although North Otago picked up a couple of wickets in the first session of play on the second day. Rod Hayes (42), Bruce Sampson (43) and Brian Isherwood (72 not out) got on top of the North Otago attack and shortly before 3 o'clock Isherwood with a six off Kendall took Ashburton past the North Otago total. Almost immediately heavy rain began to fall and play was officially abandoned without another ball being bowled.

This victory now gives Ashburton the right to challenge holders Southland for the Hawke Cup, the symbol of cricket supremacy amongst minor associations.

Short Scorecard(s)

Representative - Hawke Cup - Zone Series

Ashburton County vs North Otago at Awamoa Park, Oamaru
North Otago 218 ( N.W. McKenzie 90, R.S. Wilson 56, I. Pitches 24, R.J. Mason 12, J.F. Wright 11, B.V. Sampson 4-60, Hansen 3-66, B.C. Sampson 2-51 )
Ashburton County 222-5 ( B.P. Isherwood 72no, B.V. Sampson 43, R.W. Hayes 42, R.L. Beaven 17, D.J. Isherwood 16, N.A. Goodwin 13no, P.O. Thomas 12 )
First innings win to Ashburton County
Full scorecard for the match

Player Pages:
Norman McKenzie |