Cricket: Resurgent Otago cruise to second win

Otago cruised to victory by seven wickets over Canterbury in their Shell Trophy cricket match at Molyneux Park in Alexandra yesterday.

Otago made light work of their second-innings target of 147 after resuming on the fourth and final day at 39 for one, scoring the remaining 108 runs for the loss of two wickets off 25.5 overs.

It was Otago's second consecutive trophy win after beginning the competition with successive losses.

Captain Matt Horne, fresh from a century in the first innings, added another half-century, taking his overnight score of 20 to 50.

It was not Horne's prettiest or best innings - he should have been caught at mid-off when 21 and he often struggled with his timing - but he battled to his half-century in 140 minutes off 106 balls before being caught behind.

Horne and Craig Cumming added 45 for the second wicket before Cumming was out lbw.

Chris Gaffaney and Hore ensured Canterbury did not profit, Gaffaney again batting magnificently as he added an unbeaten 32 off 40 balls to his 44 in the first innings.

Gaffaney and Hore combined in an unbeaten stand of 41 in 28 minutes as Otago raced to their target.

Hore's eyes lit up when legspinner Aaron Redmond was introduced to the attack, and 17 came from his first over with four, six, four off consecutive deliveries. Hore finished the game in Redmond's next over, lofting him to long-off for four and depositing the next ball over mid-wicket for six.

Apart from Stephen Cunis, the Canterbury pace attack were too often too short and the batsmen had the comparative luxury of watching many deliveries fly harmlessly over their heads.

Otago coach Denis Aberhart praised the foundation set by Horne and the hard work in the field on Thursday.

"Some of the batsmen are now starting to get into a little bit of form, and the bowlers are doing a good job," said Aberhart.

"We had a slow start to the competition but the back-to-back wins are very encouraging."

Canterbury coach Garry MacDonald described Otago's performance as "a very good, professional allround display."

"Otago batted positively and well. We threw everything we had at them.

- NZPA