South African youth overcome valiant Otago resistance

Facing an uphill battle on the final day the Otago Under-19 side almost managed to hang on for an admirable draw, but fell just 14 deliveries short at the end, going down to the impressive South African Under-19s by 84 runs.

With South Africa 113/1 overnight, and already 123 runs ahead on the first innings, the Otago youngsters needed some sort of miracle to get back into the game. James Schorn (73 not out) and Rivash Gobind (73) had other ideas and batted very well to enable South Africa declare for the second time in the match at 177/2.

This left Otago 301 to get in 330 minutes to win the match. Considering Johan Botha, South Africa's star bowler from the first innings, would not bowl due to an ankle injury, Otago had an outside chance of victory if their top order batsmen were able to knuckle down to the task ahead.

But it was not to be, as most of the team folded to a determined South African attack. Otago were disappointing, in a performance somewhat similar to their first innings effort, particularly considering the apparent ease with which the South African batsmen had earlier scored.

Anthony Wilkinson (34), Jordan Sheed (20), Matt George (23) and Mark Joyce (20) offered some resistance but no batsman was able to go on and get the big score required to see Otago to victory, with Ben Ryan stranded on 56 at the end.

Schorn led the way with the bat for the tourists with a match double of 94 and 73 not out, well supported by captain Gobind (33 and 73) and Chad Baxter (75). In the bowling department, Botha was the standout with 6-10 off 18 overs in the first innings, but whose further participation in the tour may be in jeopardy due the injury sustained. Imran Khan's 2-52 and 4-92 was also noteworthy.

For Otago Joyce's 60 and 20 plus Ryan's second innings knock were their batting highlights, while Johnathan Hodson's 4-63 and 2-39 provided a good bowling performance.

Proving much stronger with the bat and ball, the South African first innings lead was the decisive factor despite Otago's gritty tail showing some real fight. A much closer contest could've been seen had their top order shown similar fighting qualities.

Whilst being outfielded by the home side, the South Africans were fully deserving victors in the tour opener.