Wanganui wilt in finals heat

Liam Nelley was in a procession of Wanganui Under-15 batsmen who trudged off Victoria Park in the 40-over final against Bay of Plenty yesterday morning. Photo/Bevan Conley

Bay of Plenty Under-15 left Victoria Park with all the bragging rights after beating Wanganui in the 40-over and Twenty20 finals of their Festival of Cricket tournament yesterday and Sunday.

Having lost to Wanganui by just five runs in their 40-over pool match on Saturday, Bay of Plenty avenged their defeat yesterday with a six-wicket win in the final.

Previously unbeaten, Wanganui were bowled out for 98, with only Sam Beard's 26 being a noteworthy contribution with the bat.

The Bay side reached 99-4 in fair time, following up their win over Wanganui in the T20 final on Sunday, when they scored 168 and kept the home side well away from that target.

"They played good cricket at the beginning of the tournament and not when it counted at the end," said tournament manager Neil Kirkwood.

In the other 40-over match yesterday, Wanganui standout female cricketer Jessica Watkin joined another boys' team and shone retiring with a half century for the Invitational team as they put up an imposing 205 against Manawatu.

In reply, the team in green came up short, finishing with 140-8.

The Festival of Cricket continues today with the start of the Under-13 Development tournament at 1pm.

Six teams Wanganui Blue, Wanganui White, Manawatu, Horowhenua Kapiti, North Harbour Burgundy and North Harbour Black will play 30-over games, with the final on Friday.