Top-order Otago batsman Greg Todd yesterday announced he would be playing his cricket for Auckland this summer.
With his departure, Otago has lost one of its most dependable and tenacious anchors. But others will fill the void.
Todd had six seasons with Otago and fashioned a useful record, particularly in four-day cricket.
In 45 first-class games for the association he scored 2774 runs at an average of 40.20, including four centuries. He also played 52 one-day games - 1238 runs at 30.19 - and 17 twenty/20 matches - 341 runs at 28.41.
His decision to move north did not come as any great shock. Todd was rumoured to be eying a shift to Wellington after slipping down the pecking order last summer.
He played just three one-day games and did not feature in the twenty/20 tournament, although he remained a key member of the four-day team.
Otago coach Mike Hesson described Todd as a wholehearted player but suggested his absence might not be felt as keenly as imagined.
"He's a very passionate player. He wears his heart on his sleeve and gives everything he's got, so he was a great guy to have in the side," Hesson said.
But asked if Todd's departure would leave a hole or help ease congestion, Hesson replied: "It does provide opportunities for guys who deserve them and haven't been able to get as many as they'd like.
"I guess we'll know in a year's time [how much he has been missed]. The one thing, with being able to give other people opportunities, is you find out how good they can be. So it's exciting, really."
Perhaps Todd's greatest contribution was his fighting quality. He was not one to undervalue his wicket. Where others where expansive and entertaining, he was watchful and resolute. It was more stodgy than dynamic, but often just what Otago needed.
His best innings for Otago was arguably against Wellington in a drawn match in November 2007. He scored a century in both innings, including a career-high 165 in his second dig. But his 110 in the first innings was perhaps the better of the two - a typically gritty knock which helped his side escape a tight spot.
Todd, who is in the Netherlands playing cricket, said in a press release he had enjoyed his time in Otago but it was time to move on.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my six years at Otago and I have plenty of people to thank for my time down there," he said.
"There are memories I will have for a lifetime and I leave Otago with no regrets. But life moves on and I'm really looking forward to my next challenge at Auckland to further my game."
Hesson said Otago had no intention of looking for a replacement from outside of the region.
"Absolutely not. We are certainly comfortable with the batting cover we've got. Some have had plenty of experience and some have had very little. But they are definitely ready to step up."
