Otago build confidence

The Otago Volts have built plenty of confidence heading into their 2017-18 four-day Plunket Shield campaign through a commanding performance in Alexandra.

Otago took on Canterbury in a four-day warmup fixture at Molyneux Park this week and finished with a convincing six-wicket win.

New Zealand test bowler Neil Wagner provided the highlight of the warmup fixture - although it wasn’t with the ball.

Coming in as a nightwatchman in Otago’s first innings, Wagner posted a century before being retired.

His knock set up Otago’s first innings total of 413-9 with other key contributors being made by James Neesham (80) and Mark Craig (68).

Captain Brad chipped in with 36. Wilson also

Earlier Otago had limited Canterbury to just 182 batting first with all the bowlers getting amongst the wickets, led by Warren Barnes who claimed three.

Cameron Fletcher (36), Jack Boyle (29), Cole McConchie (27), and Michael Pollard (24) all got starts but no-one kicked on.

Canterbury were better in their second innings at bat posting 349-9.

Ken McClure led the way for Canterbury in their second turn at bat with a century, while Henry Shipley posted an unbeaten 53.

It left Otago needing 119 in their second innings to post the win.

They were reduced to 13-3 in a shaky start before Neil Broom (24), Neesham (49 not out) and Derek de Boorder (39 not out) provided some calm.

Neesham and de Boorder put on 72 for the fifth wicket from just 42 balls.

The win will provide the team with a positive outlook heading into their competition opener against Canterbury in Christchurch starting on October 23.

Otago last season finished last in the Plunket Shield competition win one win from their 10 games.

Meanwhile, Southland product Jacob Duffy was available for the fixture in Alexandra but was not included in the 11.