The Richards cricket trophy will remain in Oamaru following North Otago's win by 19 runs on the first innings in a representative cricket match against Ashburton played in Oamaru over the weekend.

Following on from 129 for four overnight, North Otago added interest on the second day with a spirited chase after Ashburton's 178.

North Otago lost three quick wickets on the second day, but A. Cartwright and N. Hoskin kept out a determined Ashburton attack to give North Otago the first innings lead.

Ashburton made 178 on the first innings (Lane 59, Hortin 49, Mason five for 60, Sandri three for 40) and declared the second innings closed at 144 for four (Tutty 46, Lane 34, Cartwright four for 54).

North Otago scored 197 in the first innings. Payne top-scored with 57, Wilson added 38 and Hoskin 25. Newbegin took five for 50 for Ashburton.

North Otago was left 126 to score in even time, but was not up to the occasion and was five down for 87 when stumps were drawn.

Payne again topped the scoring list with a fine 56 not out. Newbegin took two wickets for 19 and Butler three for 11 for Ashburton.

Short Scorecard(s)

Representative - Hawke Cup - Zone Series

Ashburton County vs North Otago at Awamoa Park, Oamaru
Ashburton County 178 ( I.G. Lane 59, R.G. Horton 49, R. Jenkins 23, R.G. Hoskin 12, D.J. Isherwood 11, R.J. Mason 5-60, A.D. Sandri 3-40 ) & 144-9dec ( B.E. Tutty 46, I.G. Lane 34, R.G. Horton 18, R.G. Hoskin 12no, C. Taylor 4-29, A.G. Cartwright 4-54 )
North Otago 197 ( R.S. Payne 57, R.S. Wilson 38, N. Hoskin 25, A.E. Berry 18, B.R. Papps 14, A.G. Cartwright 11, Newbegin 5-50, Tew 2-30, Butler 2-49 ) & 87-5 ( R.S. Payne 56no, J. McCombe 12, Butler 3-11, Newbegin 2-19 )
First innings win to North Otago
Full scorecard for the match