North Otago earns cup challenge

NORTH Otago has earned the right to challenge for the Hawke Cup after an outright win in its final zone four match against Southland at Queens Park in Invercargill yesterday.

Southland won the toss and put North Otago in on Saturday morning.

The visiting side was in trouble at 18 for three thanks to the bowling of Liam McFaul.

Llew Johnson (24) and Tom Dempster (57) then put together a vital 52run partnership while captain Lachlan Kingan (55) and Jeremy Smith (57 not out) also added 50 runs.

McFaul finished with six for 36 from 20 overs.

Southland’s run chase got off to a disastrous start when Brendon Domigan was run out without facing a ball.

Brayden Thomas (35) and Hamish Cooke (39) then put together a 70run stand before they were dismissed in quick succession. Southland was 95 for three at stumps on day one.

Southland needed an outright win to qualify for the next round so quick runs were essential.

However, only teenager Benji Culhane got going, scoring 44 as the team was bowled out for 183.

North Otago went about building on its 30run lead but only Dempster (30) and Smith (25 not out) stuck around as the team was dismissed for 137. Jack Mockford took the last five wickets for 28 runs.

Southland required 167 off 18 overs and started strongly by taking 37 off the first four overs.

The home team then lost three wickets within six balls before Amarpreet Singh (33) got the team through to 89 for three after 10 overs.

With 50 runs required off the last five overs, Kieran Lloyd scored 39 off 18 balls before being run out.

North Otago bowled Southland out in the final over with 15 runs to spare.