Adrian Seconi

Otago got one part of its game right yesterday but it was not its batting or its bowling.

The Otago Sparks lost both their opening one-day games, with Auckland proving too classy.

Former All Blacks coach Laurie Mains joined the rugby world in shock yesterday at the news its greatest star, Jonah Lomu, had died.

Otago all-rounder Josh Finnie made up for a slow start to the tournament with a four-wicket haul to help his side defeat Northern Districts by eight wickets at the University Oval yesterday.

Otago captain Nathan McCullum conceded his side will probably have to tweak its successful game plan just a tad.

Black Caps and Otago all-rounder Jimmy Neesham may face surgery and possibly another lengthy lay-off.

The rest of us would be looking for a hole to hide in if our first two deliveries had been pummelled for six.

Otago Sparks coach Warren Lees' trademark move is to play the underdog card but not this season.

Who would dare suggest Richie McCaw is anything other than the greatest player ever.

Club softball games between Invercargill and Dunedin teams may continue in the new year, Otago Softball development manager Michael Coutts says.

Otago captain Nathan McCullum removed the two Colins in one over and it shaped as being the critical moment in the match.

Geordie Scott has been at it again.

Who? That was pretty much the reaction when Otago coach Nathan King announced the Volts had signed Warren Barnes for the season.

Basketball Otago (BBO) will begin interviewing candidates for the role of general manager next week, chairman Karl Andrews says.

Once a great, always a great. And Alexander Downes was certainly one of the greatest players to have represented Otago.

Otago actually gets to play at home. The Volts have spent the first part of the summer on the road but will host Wellington at the University Oval tomorrow. Cricket writer Adrian Seconi previews the match.