Otago posted a first-inning 312 in their Provincial A match against Central at Lincoln and went on to successfully defend that total by 73 runs to claim an important fourth round victory.
Iain Robertson top-scored with 96 and Bradley Rodden made 88 as Otago finished eight down having surpassed the 300 mark. In reply Brady Barnett was the best of the Central batsmen with 75, but his side fell well short at 239 all out after 42.5 overs.
All of the top-order found their feet at the crease in the pursuit, but valuable partnerships weren’t established. Captain Barnett had a good crack at it and brought up his half-century, while Michael Taiaroa was next best with 48.
The tail though buckled towards the end and they were eventually dismissed having never really threatened the target.
Iain Robertson made sure it was a match to remember, claiming three for five with the ball to add to his 96 with the bat.
The number five was explosive to say the least for his side, smashing two sixes and 12 fours in his entertaining 61 ball innings. He found plenty of support from Rodden who went close to a ton himself with 88, but both fell to Connor Neynens to be denied just short of the line.
They had done enough though and with a number of small cameos around them took their side to an imposing score.
Neynens was expensive, but also snared three crucial wickets in his nine over for 63, while the rest of the wickets were shared around.
Otago now go into third position on nine points, but will need to do something special to compete for the title.
