Otago kept their chances alive in the Under-18 Tournament at Lincoln by winning their Twenty20 match against Northern Districts by 18 runs.
Otago set Northern 164 for victory and managed to hold them off, despite an impressive performance with the bat from their rivals.
Otago opted to bat first and were in good shape from the get go. Captain Gregor Croudis once again converted for his side with a run-a-ball 39 and was helped with a quick 23 from 13 from newly promoted Jacob Duffy.
Things continued to go well for the Southerners when Tom Griffin came to the crease and crunched a remarkable 51 from 35 deliveries.
The efforts of the top three propelled Otago to 163 for seven after 20 overs.
In reply Northern were a one man army with Tim Seifert smashing 77 to get Northern within striking range.
It didn’t eventuate though as Northern were affected by three run outs to swing the game back in Otago’s favour.
They capitalised on their chance and held Northern to 145 for six at the end of their 20 overs.
Otago must now beat Central and hope Auckland lose to have any chance of winning the tournament.
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