Northern District's and Otago's rain affected round eight Plunket Shield match ended in an inevitable draw at Cobham Oval in Whangarei. 

On day one Otago captain Rob Nicol won the toss and elected to bat first.  In-form seamer James Baker again played a key role dismissing top order batsman Josh Tasman-Jones (8) and Neil Broom (15).  When Ish Sodhi claimed the wicket of Anaru Kitchen for 57 Otago were 137 for 5.  After the dismissal of Neesham (34), the 7th wicket partnership of 109 between De Boorder and Mark Rippon (47) took Otago over the 300 run mark.  Rippon was dismissed by Sodhi with the score at 314.  Shortly after top scorer Derek De Boorder was dismissed for 89 as Otago lost their last four wickets for just 17 runs.  Otago eventually all out for 331.  Ish Sodhi captured 7 for 98, repeating again the dynamic form against Otago that resulted in his best First Class figures of 7-59 in March 2015-16. 

In reply Northern Districts lost wickets at regular intervals and at one stage were at 145 for 7.  Corey Anderson returning to first class cricket scored 28 before being bowled by Otago seamer Jacob Duffy. There were also other good contributions from Henry Cooper (38), Bharat Popli (27) and Captain Daniel Flynn (24).  Daryl Mitchell top scored with an unbeaten 51 and combined for an 8th wicket partnership of 62 with Joe Walker (28*).  Northern Districts eventually declared at 227 for 8.  

Only 23 overs were able to be completed in Otago's second innings due to inclement weather.  Hamish Rutherford top scored with 32 while Neil Broom remained 26 not out.  The match ended with Otago 101 for 3. 

Northern Districts are now out of contention for the Plunket Shield title.  They remain in fourth place on the table with 57 points. ND face competition leaders the Wellington Firebirds on the 25th of March at The Basin Reserve.  

Article courtesy of Adam Bell on behalf of NDCA.