While there were some new faces and some old ones returning to lift the standard, the Active Physio Wanganui team remained a step behind the neighbours at the annual Chapple Cup tournament in the Hawkes Bay at the weekend.
Facing the other Central District sides, the final throes were played out in their second full match late yesterday, when Wanganui went with a deep and rejigged batting lineup but were dismissed for 186, chasing Horowhenua-Kapiti's 284-6 in the 50 over game.
Wanganui's first solid batting effort this summer on Friday against Manawatu was thwarted in a eight wicket loss, while the Saturday match with Marlborough was rained out in the second innings.
There were several positives from Wanganui's 252-9 against Manawatu first up, especially considering standout Central Districts batsman Ben Smith, who is only available for his minor association province for the weekend, was not the biggest contributor with 26.
New Wanganui coach Warren Marr, who will split his duties with his main position as cricketing coach in the Wanganui Collegiate programme, got to have his first look at Hawkes Bay teenager Bayley Wiggins, who scored 56.
"We've taken him as a loan player, he looks pretty handy - he thumps it."
Veteran Mark Fraser, badly missed last year and shaking off a slow start to club cricket, played the crucial anchor innings with 80, while Greg Smith (34) and Nick Harding (26) chipped in with useful totals.
Former Wanganui captain Henry Collier took 1-39 with his spinners against his old team mates, and Fairfax media have been reported that his good mate and former Wanganui and NZ Under 19 pace bowler Nick Blundell also wants to play for his new province.
But after finally having something to work with, the bowling group could not pin down Manawatu, who strolled to 253-4 in the 43rd over.
"It's early season blues, Manawatu were pretty poor in the field, to be fair," said Marr.
"We bowled both sides, two lengths, and put down five catches. We were 30 runs short of where we needed to be."
After opener Dave Meiring led a good start with 61, Manawatu's own youngster Mason Hughes swiped 86 not out from 74 balls, in a big partnership with team veteran Mitchell Renwick (76no).
All the bowlers copped some stick, with Canadian import Akash Gill being the most economical with 32 taken from his eight overs, while captain Simon Badger got both the wickets.
It was not much better yesterday as Horowhenua Kapiti got away to a quick start, led by 60 from Matt Good, and then Matt Fowler carried on with an unbeaten 90 from 102 balls, supported by Ryan McCone (28) and then a mega-blast from No8 batsman Matthew Bacon, who slogged 45 in just 26 balls.
Those who had to bowl at the end like Badger, Ross Kinnerley and Akash Gill had a mess made of figures which otherwise could have been alright.
"We got let down in the last ten overs," said Marr, who had to head back to Whanganui to look after his school team.
In response, Wanganui's top order in Thomas Walshe, Ben Smith and John McIlraith again struggled, and when Fraser went at 44, the die was cast.
Greg Smith again held his own with 29 not out, but while several batsmen got starts, no one cracked on with a good score under pressure.
Having been with the team for less than a month, Marr is aware a "back to basics" approach is needed, especially making an enjoyable team culture so those players who do well in club cricket, like batsman Dominic Lock, can then deliver on the bigger stage.
"It's bat for time, batting positive at the crease. Self belief."
Enthusiasm for being with the group must also be key, as the defections of Collier and Blundell cannot be discounted.
Marr said the arrival of Badger will be crucial for helping oversee the squad, given he will have to split his time with his Collegiate commitments.
Having high level club experience in Auckland and Otago, Badger, a lawyer by profession, has a mature head on his shoulders and will hopefully shore up the middle order.
Results
Wanganui 252-9 (M Fraser 80, B Wiggins 56, G Smith 34, N Patel 4-48) lost to Manawatu 253-2 (M Hughes 86, M Renwick 76, D Meiring 61, S Badger 2-40) by eight wickets.
Wanganui vs Marlborough abandoned due to wet weather.
Horowhenua-Kapiti 284-6 (M Fowler 90no, M Good 50, M Bacon 45) bt Wanganui 186 (M Fraser 44, G Smith 29no, B Wiggins 26, T McGrath 3-42) by 98 runs.