Pair spare Wanganui's blushes

A century partnership between United's Max Carroll and High School's Mark Parsons spared Wanganui's blushes in their Hawke Cup clash with Taranaki at the weekend.

The two-dayer at New Plymouth's Pukekura Park had its share of dramas for the Wanganui rep team, starting with a back injury to all-rounder Tom Lance.

The opening bat and spin bowler had to pull out and, with the teams already named, it meant Wanganui had to play a batsman short.

Taranaki then had first use of the track and posted a commanding 303-5, with Nick Blundell and Chris Stewart both picking up a couple of wickets.

Wanganui were skittled out for a meagre 68 by a fired-up Taranaki attack of Jamie Watkins (5-17) and Josh Barrett (4-35), with Tech's Hamish Wells making 26 on his debut and Marton's Dom Rayner 21.

Taranaki scooped the first innings points and Wanganui were forced to follow on.

The second knock shaped up a lot better.

Though Henry Collier and Andrew McCaa went cheaply, Carroll and Parsons steadied the ship and when bad light stopped play yesterday afternoon, the score had reached 155-2.

The rain finally arrived and the match was abandoned with Carroll unbeaten on 83 and Parsons 53 not out.