The North Otago Cricket Association lost the Richards Trophy on Saturday when Mid-Canterbury won the representative match at Oamaru by six wickets in a stirring finish.

The visitors were given 167 to make in 90 minutes and this they succeeded in doing by dint of some very rapid scoring and the loss of only four wickets in the process.

Mid-Canterbury declared its first innings closed at 230 for seven wickets - 55 runs ahead of North Otago. M. Sandri was the chief wicket-taker for the home side.

In North Otago's second innings, G. Parker (60) and I. Geddes (75) featured in a fine second-wicket stand which realised 126 runs, and thereby gave their team a more than useful start. It was splendid batting double by Parker. Several other batsmen added in handy scores and North Otago sportingly decided to declare with seven wickets down for 221. W. Smith (20 not out) was the next highest scorer to Geddes and Parker.

S. Goodwin, formerly of Waitaki Boy's High School, secured another crop of wickets in North Otago's innings. He had performed outstandingly with both bat and ball.

Mid-Canterbury accepted the challenge wholeheartedly and H. Cullen (34) and I. Griffiths (87 not out) were mainly responsible for the spirited win.

Short Scorecard(s)

Representative - Richards Trophy -

Ashburton County vs North Otago at Waitaki BHS, Oamaru
North Otago 175 ( G. Parker 51, T. Neave 41, J. Lindsay 24, G.K. Austin 16, I.T. Geddes 11, Goodwin 5-56, Stare 2-47 ) & 221-7dec ( I.T. Geddes 75, G. Parker 60, W. Smith 20no, G.K. Austin 16, J. Lindsay 14, I.A. Nuttall 11, Goodwin 5-56 )
Ashburton County 230-7dec ( S. Goodwin 60, C. Robertson 53, D. Smith 21, G. Smith 21, M. Hart 21no, H. Cullen 16, H. Jordan 14, I. Griffiths 11, M.F. Sandri 4-51, J.D.M Herron 2-64 ) & 168-4 ( I. Griffiths 87no, H. Cullen 34, S. Goodwin 17 )
Ashburton County won by 6 wickets
Full scorecard for the match