Declaration drama fails to alter final outcome

No-one could have imagined the drama and controversy that lay ahead when play started on the fourth and final day of the Otago versus Northern Districts Shell Trophy match at Carisbrook, Dunedin.

On day three Otago had achieved a first innings lead and the resulting two points. Cumming had finished the day on 89 not out and it was assumed that he may be allowed to bat for a short time in an attempt to secure his third first-class hundred.

But it was not to be, as Matthew Horne the Otago captain declared overnight and Northern Districts came out to bat for their second innings.

The Otago attack of Matthew Horne, Andrew Hore and Mark Richardson served up in the main a collection of dollies and lob bowling which the Northern Districts batsmen eagerly smashed to the boundary. There were several instances of the Otago field letting the ball trickle between their legs and go into the boundary.

It was distasteful to watch but necessary under current laws to get the game to a situation, taking into account the time left, to achieve a declaration and give both Otago and Northern Districts a fair chance of achieving victory. It is relevant to mention that Otago in any attempt to bowl out Northern Districts were without its two strike bowlers O'Connor and Walmsley due to injury.

Northern Districts scored a whirlwind 285/6 in 22.3 overs which meant Otago had a run chase of 282 to achieve victory.

For the Northerners Hamish Marshall (83), Neal Parlane (56), Bruce Martin (48), Grant Bradburn (41 not out), and Robbie Hart (20 not out) thought all their birthdays had come at once while the Otago bowlers uped their bowling averages considerably, with Mark Richardson taking 3-136, Andrew Hore (1-77) and Matthew Horne 2-68.

Otago started off with a hiss and a roar but the early loss of Mark Richardson when the total was 14 was quite a setback. Andrew Hore endeavoured to keep things going but when the total was 48 he too succumbed for 29. Craig Cumming and Chris Gaffaney put on 80 for the third wicket before Cumming was out for a good 43. It ended a fine match for Cumming with both bat and ball, doing all the selectors could've asked of him.

Matthew Horne could not stay long with Gaffaney and was out lbw to Bruce Martin for nine just before tea. This seemed to be the signal for Otago to close up shop and if it was in doubt for some spectators it was well and truly confirmed when Gaffaney was dismissed for 67. The game then meandered along with Otago obviously having closed up shop with stumps being drawn five overs short with Otago 200/5.

It was a game which was spoilt by the weather and which would have almost certainly produced a result but for it. But, the first innings lead and resultant draw was worth two points for Otago.