Jason Jones and Matt Tait bowled themselves into the ground but narrowly failed to lead North Otago to victory in the Hawke Cup cricket match against Central Otago yesterday.
As the sun descended across Centennial Park, the home side needed to claim three wickets in the final 45 minutes to pull off a memorable win.
It was a chase set up when North Otago, trailing by 48 runs on the first innings, smashed 269 for six off 43 overs before declaring their second innings closed.
In a tense end to the day, Central Otago tail enders Andy Jones (20 not out) and Lindsay Scott (5 not out) grimly held on to deny North Otago a much needed win
Pace bowlers Jones and Tait sparred nothing in an attempt to bowl the home side to glory, but they were foiled by the determination of their gritty opponents.
Jones staggered of the ground towards the end of the innings and sprawled out on a seat on the grandstand, proclaiming himself to be absolutely spent.
The result meant North Otago completed the home leg of the Hawke Cup campaign with out a single point for their efforts, and the road to a challenge now looks almost impossible.
North Otago made their task difficult by being dismissed for 185 on Saturday, with Duncan Drew (55) and Grant Billcliff (51) the only batsmen to prosper.
By the close of play, Central Otago were 125 for six and confidence was high in the North Otago camp going into the second day.
Momentum was lost early in the first session as Nigel Harvey (53 not out ) and Jones (34) pushed Central Otago through to 233 and a handy lead.
It was a determined North Otago side who walked out for a second turn at bat and it showed, starting with a 51-run partnership for the first wicket between Aaron Dawe and Glynn Cameron.
Chris Cunningham (43) added 59 for the third wicket with Drew, who completed an outstanding match by smashing 79 before being stumped.
Billcliff added 23 and Tait showed his abilities with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 52 to set up an intriguing finish.
Central Otago made a disastrous start to their second innings, losing their first three batsmen for ducks as Jones and Tait started to fire.
Veteran batsman Lindsay Breen fought back for the visitors and his 94 along with the rear guard action from the lower order, saved the day for Central Otago.
North Otago now have more than a month to reflect on two matches which could - or should - have been won, at least on first innings.
Short Scorecard(s)
Representative - Hawke Cup - Zone Series
Central Otago vs North Otago at Centennial Park, Oamaru
North Otago 185 ( D.J. Drew 55, G.J. Billcliff 51, A. Dawe 13, S. Ridley 13, M. Tait 11, Jones 3-36, Harvey 2-24, Domigan 2-29, Conlan 2-31 ) & 269-6dec ( D.J. Drew 79, M. Tait 52no, G.R. Cameron 43, C.K. Cunningham 43, G.J. Billcliff 23, Harvey 2-46 )
Central Otago 233 ( N. Harvey 53no, K. Mansfield 44, G. Douglas 37, M. Sutton 36, A. Jones 34, J. Jones 4-61, M. Tait 2-33 ) & 155-8 ( L. Breen 94, A. Jones 20no, M. Tait 4-36, J. Jones 2-35 )
First innings win to Central Otago
Full scorecard for the match