Mini collapse foils host's chances

Ben Loudon was the top Watsons Wanganui U11 batsman in his side's loss to a combined South Taranaki team on Sunday. Photo/Supplied

The Watsons Wanganui Under 11s were not able to dictate terms in their 35-over match with a Combined Ages South Taranaki team, losing by 27 runs at Victoria Park.

The visitors got off to a strong start on Sunday as both their No2 and No3 batsmen reached the retirement mark of 30, then contributions from the middle order and Wanganui giving away too many extras helped them reach 152-6.

Wanganui's bowlers toiled away on a pitch with variable bounce with Charlie Lourie nabbing 2-11 off three overs, Carter Hobbs 1-10 off four and Zac Farmer, bowling an economical spell, 0-18 off seven overs.

The home team continued to improve in the field as they picked up three run outs.

As the wicket got slower, a mini top order collapse put Wanganui under pressure as the middle order tried to keep them in the game.

Ben Loudon was again the anchor, scoring 31 not out, with Farmer (18) and Nathan Hoobin (13) being the other major contributors with the bat.

However, tight bowling restricted them to 125-7 at the end of their 35 overs.