Otago Country was far too strong all round for North Otago in their Hawke Cup match in Alexandra over the weekend, gaining an outright win.
North Otago failed to fire in the batting department and, once Otago Country had scored 337 in its turn at bat, it was always going to be tough for the visitors to hang on for a draw.
North Otago won the toss and elected to bat, but made a modest 178.
Scott Simpson top-scored wiBy RHYS CHAMBERLAINOTAGO Country was much too strong all round for North Otago in their th 71 before being caught off the bowling of young fast bowler Ben Purvis.
Mark Knox was the pick of the home bowlers, taking five for 42 off 14.3 overs.
Otago Country was in front by the end of Saturday, making 224 for the loss of five wickets, with Brendan Domigan making 40.
The next morning, former first class cricketer Leighton Morgan continued on to 86 and captain Jon Lovelock made 64.
For North Otago, the wickets were shared between David Sewell with four and Jason Horrell taking three.
North Otago fared slightly better in its second innings reaching 202, opener Duncan Drew scoring 46.
Paul O'Dell scored a valuable 33, batting at number 10, eventually being dismissed by Cameron Rutherford.
Will Somerville took six for 45 off 23.5 overs.
Otago Country was left with a target of just 44 runs in 2hr of play and Morgan and Somerville made the runs.
The pair also shared man of the match honours, Somerville with his six-wicket bag and 42 runs for the match and Morgan with a combined 121 runs.
