Tight margin belies comfort behind Northern win over Otago

Northern Districts dispelled any dangers of electing to bat first on a Centennial Park pitch showing a slight tinge of green, by making an assured 242/6 from their 50 overs.

For the State Insurance Northern Knights Mark Bailey scored a good 65, Grant Bradburn a valuable 60 not out, James Marshall 38 and captain Robbie Hart remaining unbeaten on 29 at the end of the innings alongside Bradburn.

For the Volts with the ball Paul Wiseman excelled with 1-28 from 10 overs, with Craig Cumming also impressing with 2-40 from his 10. Of the remainder of the Otago attack no-one was really collared - Warren McSkimming (1-34 off seven), Simon Forde (1-37 off seven), Craig Pryor (0-40 off 7), Matthew Horne (0-36 off 6) and David Sewell (0-14 off three).

The Knights total seemed an achievable one for Otago, but the Volts required someone to make a substantial score. However from the outset the 243 required never really looked likely until the last seven overs. Even then a victory would have been a miracle had it had been achieved.

Batting at number 10 Warren McSkimming scored a whirlwind 59 not out from 31 balls and almost won the day. Only 34 runs were needed off the last three overs and the way McSkimming was going a slight chance remained. But Tuffey and Yovich bowled well and ensured the win and with nine required from the last ball, it proved even beyond the skills of McSkimming.

Previously Matthew Horne (36), Craig Cumming (30), Martyn Croy (28) and Craig Pryor (26) had all chimed in without going on, a problem that ultimately proved very costly for the Volts.

A deserved win to the State Northern Knights by eight runs over the State Otago Volts was assisted by a solid bowling effort, led by Bradburn having a fine all-round day with 3-34 from 10 overs. Daniel Vettori returned from a lengthy break for injury with 2-33 from eight overs, while Alex Tait (2-48 off 10), Daryl Tuffey (1-46 off 10), Simon Doull (1-21 off 6) were the other wicket-takers.