The Watsons Wanganui Under 12 team held on for a thrilling nine-run win against Taranaki U12 at Victoria Park on Sunday.
The home side would have been confident after posting a comfortable 162-5 when batting first, with Sam Sheriff beginning to show some form by putting together a fine 41,while Keightly Watson continued his solid touch with another undefeated 31.
Joel Clark (17) and Levi Woolston (16) also contributed and it was Clark's 30-run partnership with Watson which quickly got their team out of a spot of trouble.
While Taranaki wickets fell during their run chase, there was still a rash of Wanganui dropped catches and wayward bowling which let the visitors inch closer to the target.
In the end, they were dismissed for 153 in the 36th over, with Wanganui avoiding defeat.
