The North Otago angle
- Terry O'Neill
North Otago goes into its first Hawke Cup defence after first-innings victories over Mid Canterbury and South Canterbury but first-innings losses to Southland and today's challenger, Otago Country.
But those were two-day games and the transition to three-day cricket will be a challenge for both sides.
North Otago passed the 300 mark in its innings against Mid Canterbury and South Canterbury, with Marcel McKenzie and Sean Eathorne scoring centuries. However, the batsmen battled against Southland and Otago Country was ousted for a meagre 181 in the first innings against Otago Country and 243 in Invercargill in a rain-affected game.
While North Otago's batting strength is centred on its middle order of Matt Machan, who is in good nick with innings of 91, 52 and 34, Eathorne, McKenzie and Glynn Cameron, openers Ben Cant and Jeremiah Shields need to give the holder a solid start.
Cant showed glimpses of his ability with 73 against Otago Country and 67 against South Canterbury, but once he gets settled, he must kick on.
His opening partner, Shields, obviously has the confidence of the North Otago selectors but his performances have not been impressive to date.
Selector Peter Cartwright said Shields had potential and "we feel that a big one is just around the corner".
North Otago's bowling attack has proved itself, led and inspired by former Black Cap and Otago representative David Sewell, who is creeping towards the veteran stage but has a never-say-die attitude that lifts his fellow bowlers.
With Chris Ware sidelined with injury, Dave Simpson will probably lead the attack with Sewell, although medium-pacer Richard Turner has been included in the side and Paul Odell has recovered from injury.
Left-arm offspinner Jordan Horrell has shown encouraging development and his 66 not out against Southland indicates North Otago has added batting depth.
Cartwright was pleased the time for the first defence had arrived.
"The boys are really excited. We've had a good preparation but it's now time to get out and play some cricket."
HAWKE CUP CHALLENGE
- Oamaru, today till Sunday
• North Otago: Sean Eathorne (captain), Ben Cant, Jeremiah Shields, Matt Machan, Marcel McKenzie, Glynn Cameron, Paul Odell, Richard Turner, Jordan Horrell, David Simpson, David Sewell.
• Otago Country: Brendan Domigan (captain), Jarred Andrew, Peter Breen, Michael Collins, Daniel Ford, Bradley Frost, Mark Knox, James Pyle, Cameron Rutherford, Eric Standfield, Sean Windle, Fraser Wilson.
