Thumping shows areas to work on

Photo/File

The Watsons Wanganui Under-15 team had a rude awakening to their quest for the Central Districts title with a 132-run hammering by Taranaki.

Wanganui were taking some confidence into the match, which was a CD tournament points game, after they had a comprehensive win against Wairarapa not long ago.

Cricket development officer Dilan Raj said after Sunday's thumping, the Under-15s coaching team has identified a few areas that will need work before the tournament proper begins in two weeks time.

"The batting will be under scrutiny, especially around batting [for] time and the decision-making process.

"Adam Boult had a good start, but did not kick on to a big score."

Played in Hawera, Taranaki scored 260 all out after 58 overs, with Sam Beard the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3-38 off 12 overs.

"One of the highlights was the emergence of Blair Pudney as a genuine leg-spinner," said Raj. "Pudney caused a number of problems against the Taranaki batsmen and will be looking to take this form over the next fortnight.

"He also took that confidence into his batting being undefeated on 21."

Pudney was reasonably economical with 1-50 off 15 overs, while Josh Lennox took 2-48 off 14.

"We gave up too many ones and twos in the first spell, came back a lot when Blair and Josh came on," said Raj.

But batting is where the team really needs to knuckle down, having been dismissed for 128 in 48 overs.

Boult's batting and running was good, while only Pudney and Nick O'Leary (19) made other contributions.