Select XI struggle with the bat

The Wanganui Select XI were beaten by 34 runs in the first cricket hit out of the season against Wellington's Naenae team at Whanganui High School on Saturday.

Naenae won the toss and opted to bat first in the 50 over game, making 168 before being all out at the end of the penultimate over.

Wanganui bowlers had early success before Marcel Wratt (43) righted the ship, until being caught and bowled by the returning Mark Fraser.

Adam Williams (43) continued on, likewise scoring at around a run a ball, but when he was trapped in front, only captain Craig James (31) was able to bat through with the tailenders.

Ross Kinnerley picked up where he left off last summer with 3-14 from his eight overs, while Connor O'Leary (2-25) and Fraser (2-31) were economical and effective.

Overseeing the team after the departure of Stu Gillespie, coach Warren Marr would have soon realised what his predecessor knew; Wanganui needs an in-form specialist batsman to anchor their innings.

Wanganui collapsed to 21-4, with most of the top order falling victim to pace man Michael Cornish (5-8).

It took new captain Simon Bridger, having come from Auckland, to try and hold his wicket with 25 from 81 balls, while Chris Sharrock (30) and the aggressive Nick Harding (28 from 18 balls) gave them hope at 129-7.

But Harding falling to Cornish signalled the end, after spinner Taylor Wenlock (2-25) had accounted for Badger and Sharrock, with the last three wickets falling for five runs.

Another Wanganui team will be named this week to play Taranaki on Sunday.