Otago Country has failed to secure a challenge for the Hawke Cup after an outright loss to South Canterbury which, despite its first-innings win, had to rely on a better runs-per-wicket differential to qualify as it, Southland and North Otago were tied on points.
Southland, which led the competition along with North Otago before the weekend, was beaten outright by lowly Mid Canterbury. Country found itself in trouble early on day one as it slumped to 104 for eight at lunch. Queenstown's Jared Andrew was the only batsman to provide any real impetus in the innings, making 49 before being out to Englishman Matt Woods, who took seven for 58 from 17 overs. The home side was eventually all out for 135.
The visiting side then got through to 249 early on day two, a 114-run lead and a first-innings win. Dan Laming was the best of the South Canterbury batsmen with 60. Glenn Matthews scored 48 at No 8 while Nick Horsley contributed 34. Sam Blakely took four for 85 for Country and Eric Standfield three for 36 from 15.
The home side fared much better in its second attempt, making 320 for eight before declaring. Cam Rutherford starred in the second innings with 95 and another Queenstowner Fraser Wilson also passed 50. Standfield played an excellent captain's knock down the order making 44 not out before making the declaration.
Otago Country's gallant bid for a win was squashed when South Canterbury scored the 208 runs it needed for the loss of just three wickets to take the points. Horsley scored 83 to cap a fine game and Glen Drake finished it off with an excellent 82 not out. Zone 4 winner South Canterbury will now take on Bay of Plenty for the Hawke Cup.
Mid Canterbury killed Southland's hopes of a Hawke Cup challenge with a nine-wicket outright win yesterday and thus left the way open for South Canterbury.
Mid Canterbury, after being asked to bat by Southland in Invercargill, made 251 before being dismissed late on the first day. Des Kruger (68), Jono Print (51), Rhys Phillips (46) and Will Southby(43) spent valuable time at the crease. Craig Smith took three for 52 and Ryan Meyer three for 45.
The Mid Canterbury bowlers then dismissed the home side for 132. Phillips finished with five for 46 and Tom Meyrick two for 20.
Southland did better in its second innings after the follow on was enforced. Duffy (62) and Simon Wadworth (55) were the pick of the batsmen. Phillips took four for 40 and Kurt Polson two for 69 as the Southland second innings closed at 240, leaving Mid Canterbury the task of scoring 122 runs to win with 26 overs remaining.
Guided by Rob Polson (67 not out) and Dave Murari (32), Mid Canterbury went through to the target with 6.4 overs remaining.
By Rhys Chamberlain and Terry O'Neill.
