North Otago experienced highs and lows during their drawn two-day cricket match against Canterbury Country in Oamaru at the weekend.

When play finished at 6.35pm yesterday North Otago were hanging on by the skin of their teeth at 100 for eight, chasing 169 for victory.

Poor batting in the second innings from several North Otago batsmen almost undid some impressive work earlier in the match.

Overall it was a good performance from the home team, and they will be encouraged heading into their first match in the Hawke Cup competition against Southland in the weekend.

North Otago showed impressive form in patches of the weekend's match but the challenge now is to be more consistent.

Dropped catches could have cost North Otago dearly and if that happens against Southland it could be dangerous.

Nine catches were dropped in total, which is not good enough at this level of cricket.

Canterbury Country were dismissed for 231 in their first innings which was a good score on a challenging pitch.

Experienced first class player Robbie Frew anchored his sides inning's with a patient 83 before North Otago's Rafferty Fox dismissed him.

The only other Canterbury Country batsmen to offer any real resistance was Simon Edwards who notched up 61 from 136 balls.

North Otago opening bowler Craig Direen was in dynamic form with the ball, finishing with four for 24 off 11 overs.

He bowled with pace and accuracy creating havoc among the opposition batsmen.

For one of the few occasions this season, North Otago's batsmen got among the runs, with five batsmen getting past 25 in their innings.

Glynn Cameron led the charge with a well-complied 55, which included 10 fours.

Blair Cooper and Daniel Fletcher both chipped in with 34 and 36 respectively, to help their side to 244, a first innings lead of 13.

But that was as good as it got for the home side with Canterbury Country taking control of the game in their second innings.

Edwards was promoted to open the innings and he didn't disappoint, scoring a quick-fire 53, while his opening partner Nathan Jones carried his bat through the innings with 64.

Canterbury Country declared their second innings at 181 for three, giving the bowlers 32 overs to knock over North Otago.

The home side were never going to reach the victory target and apart from an aggressive 47 form Antony Cromwell, North Otago batting was, at best, average.

Poor shot selection and a lack of patience saw the side crumble and almost lose the game.