Cricket: Otago Country destroys North Otago

Otago Country picked up an outright win in its first Hawke Cup match of the season when it took care of a hapless North Otago side which failed to fire a shot.

The win, by an innings and four runs, has once again established Otago Country as the favourite to retain the southern region title.

In near perfect conditions at Molyneux Park in Alexandra, the home side won the toss and and scored 191, after electing to bat.

Opening batsman Scott Paulin ground out 31 before being trapped in front by North Otago quick Ben Cant.

Keeper-batsman James Pyle scored 50 before being bowled by David Sewell, who had two other scalps in the innings.

Otago Country captain Brendon Domigan made 28 before he was trapped leg before by Sewell and Blackstone Hill batsman Cam Fawkner helped the cause with 36.

North Otago was then skittled for 37.

Medium-fast bowler Ben Purvis took four for three off five overs and the other new ball bowler Ronnie Kotcamp claimed four for 20 off 11 overs.

The home side enforced the follow on and North Otago fared better, reaching 150.

Paul O'Dell (36) and the recalled Duncan Drew (35) were the best of the North Otago batsmen.

Purvis, also an Otago Country rugby player and son of former All Black Neil, finished a man-of-the-match performance with impressive figures of six for 12 off 10 overs.

Pyle, in addition to his half century, picked up six catches behind the stumps.

Convener of selectors Malcolm Jones was happy with Otago Country's performance.

"We were slightly disappointed in 191 and we felt we needed 60 more. But we bowled superbly in the first little bit and had them in all sorts of trouble."

North Otago looked to lack leadership in its top order with players including Darren Broom, a fringe Otago player and brother of Black Cap Neil, contributing little with the bat.

Former New Zealand left-armer Sewell was impressive with the ball as was Broom who had four wickets in the first innings.

North Otago's next match is against Southland, in Oamaru on January 23-24 and Otago Country takes on Mid Canterbury on February 6-7.