The North Otago cricket team narrowly missed out on first innings points in its final U-Bix Cup elimination game against South Canterbury played at Aorangi Oval in the weekend.
North Otago was dismissed for 283 late yesterday chasing South Canterbury's first innings total of 288. It was a good effort by North Otago to come back from 91 for five to get within six runs of victory.
A 136 run partnership between Kel Mansfield and John Crombie was the highlight of the innings with the pair blasting 90 runs in the first hour after lunch yesterday. Mansfield enjoyed his share of luck being dropped three times in his innings which included 14 fours and one huge six straight back over the bowler's head.
Mansfield was finally dismissed for 97 when he was bowled around his legs trying to sweep off-spinner Todd Elliotte. Crombie was dismissed for 45 one run later but incoming Paddy Bleach and Neil Rushton kept North Otago on target.
Neil Rushton batted particularly well to be 36 not out taking North Otago to verge of a first innings win before the last batsman Stephen Neil was run out for one.
North Otago's bowling on the first day featured excellent spell from Paddy Bleach and Graeme Pitches who took two wickets and restricted the run rate. Bleach took three for 63 off 30 overs while Pitches destroyed the South Canterbury middle order taking three for three for 21 off 12 overs.
Despite a good all-round performance it was a disappointing end to the match for North Otago which needed an outright win to secure zone honours and qualify for a U-Bix challenge.
South Canterbury effectively prevented any chance of an outright decision when it batted painfully slowly on the first day and North Otago selector coach Gavin Laird was critical of the home team's negative approach to the match.
"South Canterbury only needed to deny us outright points to win the zone and they as though that was their aim. We won the toss and had to get them out quickly but they just dug in and took all day to get 288 which virtually ruled out an outright," he said.
'We also let them off the hook by dropping a few vital catches. We could have had them out for around 220 which could have changed the match."
North Otago finishes the U-Bix competition with ten points from two first innings win from its four matches and Mr Laird is optimistic his young players will develop even further next season.
"I got a bit of criticism earlier on for having so many youngsters in the side but I think they have vindicated their selection in the side. We have taken a big step towards next season and if we can keep this side together we will just about win the zone.
There have been some outstanding individual performers in the team although Mr Laird said North Otago's strength has been its all-round ability. A well balanced bowling attack and rapidly improving batsmen auger well for North Otago's chances for next season.
Short Scorecard(s)
Representative - U-Bix Cup - Zone Series
North Otago vs South Canterbury at Aorangi Park, Timaru
South Canterbury 288 ( C.D. Cumming 64, M. Parker 39, B. Carlaw 35, D. Hunter 35, T. Elliotte 31, P. Duffield 23, L. Hamilton 20, G. Ballantyne 19no, G. Pitches 3-21, P.D. Bleach 3-63, A. Lemon 2-74 )
North Otago 283 ( K.J. Mansfield 97, J.B. Crombie 45, D. Kinney 34, N.W. Rushton 34no, G. Pitches 12, P.D. Bleach 12, A. Robertson 11, Hunter 3-59, Elliotte 3-62, Ballantyne 2-64 )
First innings win to South Canterbury
Full scorecard for the match