Mid-Canterbury had a first inning win over North Otago in a representative cricket match played at Ashburton over the weekend.

Mid-Canterbury won the toss and elected to bat first on a good wicket. With an hour's play left on Saturday, Mid-Canterbury declared at 354 for five (W. Bell 108, P. Wallace 91, B. Isherwood 55). R Paul (before he retired hurt) and W. Cubbit bore the brunt of the North Otago bowling attack.

In the hour before tea, North Otago batted solidly to post 34 runs on the board without loss.

North Otago made a good start on Sunday to be 120 for the loss of one wicket and 176 for two. Then came a sensational collapse and the side was all out for 238. Payne top-scored with 70, B. Wilson 47 and S. Lockhart 23.

Mid-Canterbury bowler B. White had a good spell at the crease. Bowling virtually unchanged, he took five wickets for 50 runs off 35 overs, including 14 maidens.

North Otago followed on and made 48 runs for none at stumps. Wilson was not out on 19 and Lockhart 14 not out. North Otago captain R. Payne retired hurt on 15. He took a full toss on the jaw and had to receive four stiches in hospital.

Short Scorecard(s)

Representative - Richards Trophy -

Ashburton County vs North Otago at Ashburton Domain Oval, Ashburton
Ashburton County 350 ( W. Bell 108, P. Wallace 91, D.J. Isherwood 55, R. Jenkins 38, S. Lane 16, W. Cubbit 4-54, R. Paul 2-47 )
North Otago 238 ( R.S. Payne 70, N.W. McKenzie 48, R.S. Wilson 47, S. Lockhart 23, B.D. White 5-50, Thomas 3-35 ) & 48-1 ( R.S. Wilson 19no, R.S. Payne 15 )
First innings win to Ashburton County
Full scorecard for the match