Mid Canterbury held the ascendancy at the close of the first day's play in the Richards Trophy cricket match against North Otago at Oamaru yesterday. In reply to North Otago's first innings total of 175, the visitors had scored 173 for the loss of five wickets at stumps.

Despite a profitable opening partnership of 87 between G. Parker and T. Neave and handy scores by one or two of the top batsmen, North Otago was unable to consolidate the position and was dismissed by 175. J. Lindsay, with 24, was the next highest score to Parker (51) and Neave (41).

Bowling steadily, S. Goodwin took 5 for 37 for Mid-Canterbury. The attack was supported by good fielding.

Mid-Canterbury made its runs at a brisk rate, C. Robertson (captain) with 53, and S. Goodwin, 40 not out, being the top-scorers. Most of the batsmen contributed useful scores, however.

M. Sandri was the most effective North Otago bowler, capturing 3 for 35.

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