Otago began its assault on the representative cricket scene this year with its first trial match, played at Oamaru's Awamoa Park on Sunday.

Members of the squad were divided into two teams for the game with sides led by former New Zealand captain Lee Germon and New Zealand test opener Mark Richardson.

Batting first on what was described as a "fearsome" wicket, Richardson's Bluff Invitation XI managed to score 214 all out.

Duncan Drew top scored with 74 while Mark Billcliff hit 63. Richardson, who will rejoin the New Zealand team in South Africa for its first-class programme, was out for four.

Warren McSkimming took 3-42 in his 10 overs while Neil Rushton took 2-37 from nine and Craig Pryor 2-26 from eight.

The Glenavy Invitation XI struggled throughout its innings and Pryor was clearly the best of the batsmen hitting 57. Nathan Morland was next highest with 20 not out. Germon scored 13.

Billcliff rounded out a good day with 2-13 from seven overs but the most successful bowler was Richardson who took 3-24 off five overs. Scott Waide took 2-26 from seven.

The squad will play a two-day trial, also in Oamaru but at a venue still to be decided, on October 22-23.

© CricInfo