Southland could still win the Hawke Cup this summer.
But it will need to do just a little better if it is fortunate enough to earn a second challenge.
The mercy rule was effectively implemented at lunchtime at Mainpower Oval in Rangiora yesterday as holder Canterbury Country was in complete control and the chances of a result were virtually nil.
Southland had been dismissed for 161 in its first innings in reply to Canterbury Country’s imposing 421.
Survival is not good enough when you are challenging for the Hawke Cup, so Southland’s only hope was to get a couple of big centuries and bat for a lot of overs in pursuit of 422 — a whopping score at this level of cricket — and a victory on the first innings.
Opener Jared McKenzie and No3 Hamish Skelt at least occupied the crease for a good while.
McKenzie grafted 111 balls for his 34, and Skelt 123 for his 46.
At 64 for one, Southland was doing just fine, but the loss of McKenzie led to a mini-slump, as the next three batters posted nine, nought and nought.
Skelt was patiently doing his thing at the other end but when his resistance ended, it was 112 for seven, which soon became 115 for nine.
Tail-enders Blake Buttar-Scurr and Jason Osborne enjoyed a partnership of 46 for the 10th wicket.
Buttar-Scurr whacked three fours and a six in his breezy 26 off 31 balls, while Osborne belted four boundaries in his unbeaten 23 off 17.
A balanced Canterbury Country attack shared the wickets, Will Smith grabbing three for 13 off eight overs and Jesse Frew, Blake Coburn and Zak Foulkes each claiming two scalps.
The game was strongly heading the way of the home team when it posted 302 for four on the opening day.
Opener Foulkes finished with a superb 161 (277 balls), Frew added 90, and Tim Gruijters made 77 to ensure Canterbury Country remained in a dominant position.
Buttar-Scurr, on debut, was the pick of the Southland bowlers with four for 71, while Kurt Thompson took three for 23.
The challenge was delayed from the end of the Covid-interrupted 2021-22 season, so Southland could get another challenge if it wins the zonal competition this summer.
