Worcestershire CCC 2020 signing Hamish Rutherford made another telling contribution with the bat for Otago Volts – but then had to retire and missed the finale of his side’s two wicket Ford Trophy final defeat against hosts Auckland Aces.
Rutherford raced to 36 off 25 balls with one six and seven fours, typical of the form he has been showing throughout the winter and which County supporters will be hoping to witness this summer.
But the 30-year-old was then forced to leave the action after being struck on the helmet by a bouncer in the first over delivered by Lockie Ferguson who had a spell with Derbyshire.
The opening batsman was unable to pass the subsequent concussion test and was replaced in the side for the remainder of the game by Matt Bacon.
Rutherford had shown his power in striking Benjamin Lister for 4-6-4 from successive deliveries shortly before his enforced withdrawal from the action.
Otago totalled 283 all out from 49.4 overs after electing to bat with Anaru Kitchen top-scoring with 60.
But 104 from 60 balls by Worcestershire CCC 2014 and 2015 T20 signing, Colin Munro, helped Auckland to win with six overs to spare.
Munro hit seven sixes and 12 fours in a dazzling display of hitting.
His efforts were largely responsible for Otago finishing runners-up for the second successive year in the 50 over competition.
