Otago turns the tables in tense Cup encounter

After the dominance shown by Wellington in the Shell Tropy match one would have expected them to continue on when it came to the Shell Cup. Having said this the two games are so dissimilar that there is no reason most times to suppose such a situation.

However, when Wellington scored 244-6 in its 50 overs against Otago at Carisbrook on a good pitch it looked as it if may not be enough.

Wellington commenced in careful fashion but then accelarated with good innings from Richard Jones 45, Matthew Bell 38, James Franklin 28 not out and Roger Twose 23. The pride of their total would have to go without a doubt to Jason Wells who got 62 (6 fours and 1 six). He showed the small crowd at Carisbrook what a fine batsman he is which most cricketing Wellingtonians allready know.

Forde and Horne were the pick of the Otago bowlers. Both bowled very straight and their figures reflect this. Only O'Dowda and Billcliff were really collared with the former trying to bowl a little too fast and the latter some balls too full.

Otago began its chase at a brisk pace but lost its first wicket (Andrew Hore) when the total was 24. Craig Cumming and Chris Gaffaney carried on and put on 78 for the 2nd wicket. Lee Germon the new Otago and former New Zealand Captain didn't last long and was out for 2 off 15 balls but Cumming and Gaffaney scored 59 and 40 respectively to take Otago well on the way.

Matthew Horne scored a well executed 75 and he certainly took heed of Convenor of Selectors Glenn Turner's comment as he made his way to the pitch - "work it about Hornet, good luck".

Otago seemed to be cruising at 173-5 and plenty of overs left but a characteristic rot set in (two run outs and two lbws) and 4 wickets fell for 6 runs. And so it was left to Simon Forde and Warren McSkimming in the last 4 overs to get 9 runs to win.

Some singles, a two and finally a crashing 4 by Forde in the last over was to give Otago an exciting win by one wicket. Wellington had almost come back from certain defeat to a victory. A hat-trick to Matthew Walker deserved better.

It was a game which Otago seemed destined to win easily at one stage in their run chase but saw Wellington fight back so well to almost snatch victory. It could have gone either way but this time it was the home team which came through.