An outstanding bowling display from medium-pacers Francois Mostert and Jeremy Smith has resulted in Hawke Cup holder Buller, dismissed for 60, chasing North Otago's first-innings total of 143.
North Otago won the toss, but little else it appeared at first, on yesterday's opening day of its Hawke Cup challenge against Buller after Jordan Horrell elected to bat.
Opener Lochie Kingan was run out with a solitary run on the board and prolific run-getter Ben Cant was out lbw with the total at 12. Duncan Drew (45) and Stephan Grobler (29) added 89 in a third-wicket stand but, with the total at 101, North Otago lost Grobler, Drew and in-form Mostert meaning the challenger was 101 for five.
Brady Kingan went at 107 and Jeremy Smith and Llewellyn Johnson both at 114. Horrell lost his wicket at 121 before Andrew Grubb (23) and Brad Fleming added 22 runs for the 10th wicket. For Buller, Troy Scanlon claimed four for 34 while Michael Anderson and Clinton Harvey took two wickets each.
Mostert and Smith were then in electric form with the ball meaning only Troy Adams and Michael Anderson reached double figures. Mostert sliced through the Buller line-up to finish with seven for 22 off 12.3 overs.
Smith was all economy at the other end, taking three for 10 off 10 overs. North Otago, with a lead of 83 runs, will begin its second innings today at 10.30am.
- by Terry O'Neill
