The North Otago Hawke Cup-winning team at Dunedin airport
yesterday. Bottom row (from left): Scott Cameron, Glynn
Cameron, Chris Smith, Scott Simpson and Peter Cartwright
(manager). Top row (from left): Dave Simpson, Sean
Eathorne, Glenn Paterson, David Sewell, Duncan Drew and
Jordan Horrell. Photo by Craig Baxter.
North Otago strike bowler David Sewell rates his side's
victory in the Hawke Cup as one of his career highlights.
The 32-year-old left-armer has played 67 first-class matches
for Otago and one test for his country but told the Otago
Daily Times the 159-run win over Manawatu on Monday was one
of the most memorable games in his lengthy career.
"It is right up there," Sewell responded when asked how it
rated.
"We're one of the smallest [minor] associations and to get to
where we got and even get a challenge in the first place was
a big thing.
"It was almost bonus territory up there and the guys really
made the most of it."
Victory looked unlikely after a first innings slump left
North Otago limping along at 116 for nine.
But Sewell and former Otago wicketkeeper-batsman Duncan Drew
rescued the innings with a remarkable last-wicket
partnership.
The pair added 93 to help their side reach 207.
It proved to be a pivotal moment in the match.
"I think our experience came into it," Sewell said.
"We're both in our 30s with 10 years of high level cricket
behind us ... and we felt if we got 200 we could put them
under some pressure."
Sewell's highest first-class score is just 24 but he scored
"70ish" in a club match and was determined to stick around
with Drew and help him get through to his 100.
Drew was undone shortly after reaching the milestone leaving
Sewell undefeated on 37.
"They thought we've got a No 11 out here and all we need to
do is get him on strike.
"So we just kept taking all the singles on offer."
Sewell said the team had received a lot of support and text
messages from supporters in Oamaru which added to the nerves
on the last day.
Judging by the fumes coming from the Hawke Cup, and some of
the red-eyed cricketers, the celebration went well.
All-rounder Paul Odell went missing in action when it was
time for the team photograph and was later discovered fast
asleep on the team bus - see inset.
"It was probably the biggest Monday night I've had," Sewell
said.
North Otago has all winter to plan its defence of the Hawke
Cup.
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