That was mostly true for both sides but Otago has more wriggling to do after it misfired with the bat late on day one of its Plunket Shield match against Northern Districts at Seddon Park in Hamilton yesterday.
Volts wicketkeeper Derek de Boorder grabbed six catches to help dismiss Northern for a modest 204. Two years ago the Otago skipper took a world record-equalling eight catches in an innings and only enhanced his reputation as a fine technician with another sharp performance behind the stumps.
But following his effort in the field, the top order faltered with Otago slumping to 71 for five.
Former Black Cap Brent Arnel was the chief destroyer with four for 15 from 10 overs.
The medium pacer found the edge of Aaron Redmond's bat before the Otago opener could register a run.
Redmond scored back-to-back 100s in the eight-wicket win against Canterbury in Rangiora last week but did not get a chance to get set. Neither did both the Broom brothers Neil (13) and Darren (2) or Michael Bracewell (6) for that matter. Arnel had the better of all three and James Baker claimed the prized scalp of Hamish Rutherford (14).
Northern, for its part with the bat, failed to establish a partnership of any real note.
Legspinner Ish Sodhi added valuable runs for his side with 48 on debut, and Corey Anderson (34) and James Marshall (32) played useful cameos.
The dismissal of Marshall first ball after the lunch break was a key breakthrough. The experienced campaigner clipped a delivery from Ian Butler straight to Darren Broom at square leg.
Butler got away with a half volley on that occasion but was part of a reasonable bowling performance. He trapped overseas player Adam Wheater lbw for three and bowled Baker for 13. Earlier he nicked out opener Joseph Yovich and finished with four for 39 from 17 overs.
Neil Wagner and Jimmy Neesham nicked out two each. De Boorder provided the finish with great glove work, and Jacob Duffy also netted two wickets with a fine spell.
The 18-year-old made his provincial debut last summer and continues to impress. A strapping young man, he generates good bounce and pace which should serve him well for what promises to be a bright career.
As a unit, Otago bowled 23 maidens in Northern's innings of 71.1 overs. That was pleasing but coach Vaughn Johnson was not entirely happy. And he was less than impressed with the batting effort.
"The bowling was OK," Johnson said.
"I wouldn't say it was the best we've ever bowled but you'd certainly take it. I thought we were a wee bit two lengths at times."
Arnel pitched the ball up and made Otago play more deliveries which was the key to his success, Johnson said.
"But I don't think we played in the right areas. I thought we tried to play too square of the wicket instead of playing up the ground. Our decision making in one or two of the wickets we lost was possibly questionable.
"The side has to show some character to get out of it now. We have to turn up and try and find 150 runs to have parity. It is a good test for the boys and I'd expect us to knuckle down."
At Nelson Park in Napier, Central Districts was 130 for three in its match against Auckland when rain brought play to an early close.
Carl Cachopa was undefeated on 38 and Chris Martin was the pick of the bowlers with one for 22 from 12 overs.
