News

Inglewood's Hayden McIntyre was the best-performed player for Taranaki B when they played two limited overs matches in Auckland at the weekend.

McIntyre took 3-46 off his 10 overs in Taranaki's first match against Northland B on Sunday before backing it up with 71 not out.

Northland's total of 203 was more than they should have got after Taranaki lost their line and length in the last five overs to concede 50 runs.

Other wicket-takers for Taranaki were Rob McLeod (2-33), Rob Northcott (2-24) and Shreyas Debur (1-36).

Taranaki lost early wickets before McIntyre and Kurt Leuthart (25) put on 63 for the seventh wicket. It was not enough, however, and Taranaki were dismissed for 166.

Taranaki's second game against Counties B was also a case of what could have been.

With Counties 132-8, Taranaki looked in the box seat before they let their opponents get through to 173-9, a target they should still have reached.

Debur was the best of the Taranaki bowlers with 4-35 from his 10 overs, while Northcott also bowled well to end with figures of 2-27 off 10.

The loss of regular wickets hurt Taranaki in their run chase, the biggest partnership being 34 for the third wicket between Sam Fastier (12) and Ricci Riccitelli (33).

McIntyre was left 21 not out as Taranaki were dismissed for 118.Taranaki coach Ian Snook felt Matt Sim did a good job captaining the side.

He also believed McIntyre would have little trouble moving up to the A side as a third or fourth seamer and a more than capable lower-order batsman.

Article supplied by Taranaki Daily News; www.taranakidailynews.co.nz