In the first limited overs match of the National U18 Tournament Canterbury has beaten neighbours Otago after a very shaky start.
Otago were looking likely to claim victory before an incredible spell of bowling from Hamish Robertson helped Canterbury to a 102 run victory.
Canterbury opted to bat after winning the toss and would have been looking to do considerably better with the bat than they did in the Two-Day Match held on Tuesday and Wednesday.
They tripped early and were looked to be in a precarious position at 14 for two. Thankfully for Canterbury one of their top-order fired this time as Ben Ward made a crucial 42. He found some help in the form of Dylan Goldstone (33) and Sam Chamberlain (23).
Having been at 68 for four Canterbury would have been happy with their final score as they finished 193 all out after 48.3 overs.
Marcus frost was the most damaging with the ball for Otago as he collected figures of three for 38 from nine overs.
In reply it all seemed to be going according to plan for Otago as they sat in the box seat at 70 for one. However no one could have predicted the display which was to be put on by Hamish Robertson.
Robertson crippled the Otago line-up as he went on a rampage and collected the incredible figures of five for nine from nine overs. A couple of run outs helped Canterbury’s cause and the game was effectively over.
Otago lost its last four wickets to be dismissed for 91 in the 34th over.
It was a game dominated by the bowlers and in particular Robertson. Canterbury will be pleased to beat their Southern rivals and will be looking forward to the full tournament which begins on January 18th.
