North Otago showed some late fighting spirit before falling to a heavy defeat to their old rivals as the Hawke Cup resumed in Oamaru at the weekend.
South Canterbury twice dismissed the home side for a score of 81 and managed a commanding total of 301 for seven declared in the middle to seal an outright win by an innings and 139 runs.
It was achieved in far less than two days too, with play unable to start until 4pm on Saturday.
North Otago’s first innings made for relatively grim viewing as only young opener Lachlan Brookes (15 off 57 balls) managed to reach double figures.
William Sharp was the chief destroyer for South Canterbury, taking six for 24 from 13 tricky overs.
The visitors made a quiet start with the bat and at 45 for three, it could possibly be argued the game was in the balance.
South Canterbury, however, found several batters able to contribute.
Toby Clemett whacked 77 off 92 balls and Flynn Brookland was unbeaten on 42 (36 balls) when the declaration was made.
The hero of the hour was again that man Sharp.
He capped a marvellous all-round performance with 91 off 118 balls (nine fours, two sixes), and appeared on track for a century before falling to North Otago youngster Billy Wilson.
North Otago’s hopes of survival took an early hit when both openers went for ducks.
It was backs-to-the-wall stuff as Luke Taylor (28 off 91) and Liam Direen (16 off 44) chewed up plenty of overs.
Wilson also grafted for 39 balls at No10 in the order and Cameron Grubb bashed a quick 13 before becoming the final wicket to fall.
Sam Carlaw had his turn at playing destroyer for South Canterbury, claiming six for 14 from 20 overs, including 13 maidens.
South Canterbury are at home to Otago Country this weekend.
