Aaron Hart pummelled a monster six to bring up his century at Queens Park on Saturday.
The Southland batsman hit the milestone as he intended to go on, finishing not out for 173 off 200 balls in a knock that included 25 boundaries.
He helped guide Southland to a first-innings victory against South Canterbury, who have already wrapped up zone four and earned the Hawke Cup challenge
Opener Kieran Lloyd also played a pivotal role, scoring 89 runs and taking five for 33 with the ball.
Southland finished all out for 356, the most complete performance of the season, and South Canterbury battled to get going.
Adam Beck (56) and Jake Naylor (47) top-scored for South Canterbury, but they were bowled out for 199.
Southland forced the visitors to follow on. They made 47 runs before the game was called off, leaving Southland with a first-innings win.
North Otago finally found some rhythm with the bat this season, but suffered a first-innings loss to Mid Canterbury.
Led by captain Jeremy Smith’s good knock of 91, North Otago finished all out for 235 in Ashburton.
Scott Kitto (24) and Jesse Valpy (not out 23) also made cameos.
Backing up from taking one for two with the ball, Mid Canterbury allrounder Angus Jemmett punished with the bat, scoring 99, until he was caught and bowled by Cameron Grubb.
Devon Flannery (60) and Lachie Jemmett (47) played their part in helping Mid Canterbury finish on 276 for eight.
Lochie Mavor took three for 56 for North Otago.
