In a thrilling end to the first day of the Hawke Cup challenge between holders North Otago and challenger Hawkes Bay North Otago snatched a three-run first innings lead, with North Otago opener Lachie Kingan (37) the ninth wicket to fall.
North Otago won the toss at Milner Park and put Hawkes Bay in to bat.
The home side took the honours in the first session, going to lunch with Hawkes Bay 100 for the loss of seven wickets, Jeremy Smith and Francois Mostert taking three each and Ben Cant the other.
The bowling was backed up by committed fielding by North Otago.
Hawkes Bay opener Jacob Smith looked comfortable for his 37 while Angus Schaw(21) was the only other batsman to offer support.
North Otago wrapped up the Hawkes Bay innings, taking the last three wickets for 122 in the 34th over.
Francois Mostert added to his haul of wickets with four for 65 off 13.4 overs while Jeremy Smith took three for 21 off 10 overs and Ben Cant, the only other bowlers used, claimed three for 34 off his 10 overs.
Kingan (37) was the rock on which the North Otago first innings rested.
Jeremy Smith (25) gave support before North Otago was dismissed for 125, an overall lead of three runs.
The Hawkes Bay spin attack of Gilliam Pretorius and Ajaz Patel slowed down the run rate, Pretorius finishing with six for 39, while Patel was all economy, conceding only 11 runs off 11 overs.
Jacob Smith took two for 14 and the other wicket went to medium pacer Liam Dudding.
Seven overs remained on the first day and at stumps Hawkes Bay was 13 for two in its second innings, having lost the wickets of Edmonston and Patel.
- Terry O'Neill
