Hamilton look to have a firm hold on the Hawke Cup in the season's first challenge match against North Otago at Galloway Park.

The vital first innings advantage went to Hamilton who finished the second day of three on 295/8, a lead of 84 runs.

Yesterday, North Otago batted first after winning the toss and Mark Wilson all but carried his bat when coming in during the first over and being unbeaten at the end of the innings on 94. The highlight of the innings was a fourth wicket stand of 115 when Duncan Drew scored 44 during his liaison with Wilson.

Mark Orchard bowled well to take a five-wicket bag at a cost of 34 runs while ND left-arm spinner Bruce Martin took four for 79 in 30.5 overs.

Hamilton made the most of some good supportive batting to get their advantage. Grant Robinson set the trend at the top of the order when scoring 59 off 158 balls in 200 minutes, real Hawke Cup stuff.

Down the order Orchard was bowled by David Sewell for 58, Martin scored 21, also bowled by Sewell, Addil Somani scored 28, James Nolan ended the day on 48 not out after 148 minutes of batting while Nathan Daley scored 35.

Sewell was the key performer for North Otago with some outstanding bowling. He bowled 29 overs and had four wickets for 40 runs.

© CricInfo