Dunedin Metro amassed a sizeable total in the first innings
of an exhibition match against Otago Country to claim the
Stewart McKnight Trophy at the Oturehua Domain in the
Maniototo yesterday.
Batting first, the visitors capitalised on some poor bowling
and scored quickly, getting through to 317 for seven at the
luncheon interval.
Ant Harris made a well played 64 before he was bowled by
local lad Brayden Hill.
Otago squad member Sean Eathorne chipped in with 41 at the
top of the order but fell short of his half century when Hill
had him caught by Scott Paulin.
Another Otago player, Jordan Sheed, scored 39 before his
stumps were toppled by Otago Country captain Brendon Domigan.
But it was James Fuller batting down at No 8 for the Metro
side that provided the extra kick the innings needed.
He scored 50 not out to be there at the end with fellow lower
order batsman James McMillan (16no).
Hill was Country's best bowler, finishing with figures of
three for 46.
Domigan snared two but was expensive, going for 77 off his
ten overs.
In reply, Otago Country was bundled out for 146, losing the
match by 171 runs.
Hill was the best of the home side's batsmen.
He reached 28 before being dismissed leg before wicket by
Blair Soper.
James Pyle (24) and Queenstown's Fraser Wilson (23) were the
other batsmen to feature.
Rhys Phillips picked up three middle order batsmen for just
23 runs and Fuller grabbed two Country scalps in an
impressive bowling display.
Metro's Harris was in fantastic form with the bat while
Fuller probably had the game's best all-round performance.
Hill was Country's best performer.
Otago Country's next outing is the first Hawke Cup fixture of
the season against North Otago in Alexandra on December 12
and 13.
