𝗧𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗸𝗶 𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝗮𝘁 𝗣𝘂𝗸𝗲𝗸𝘂𝗿𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸

Whitaker Civil Engineering Taranaki had the best of Day 1 at Pukekura Park, securing maximum batting points and an early bowling point against a determined Whanganui side.

Whanganui won the toss and inserted Taranaki, gaining immediate success by dismissing Taranaki’s talisman, Dean Robinson, for just 1 run. However, Taranaki regained control with a mammoth 175-run partnership between Bailey Wisnewski and Rupert Young. Wisnewski was unfortunate to be given out LBW on 97, narrowly missing a century, while Young followed soon after for a well-crafted 78.

Major contributions followed, including a half-century from the returning Trent McGrath, a solid 29 from skipper Sam Fastier, and some positive late-order hitting from Jordan Gard and Ryan Watson. Taranaki eventually declared at 331 for 8, securing 4 batting points, while Whanganui claimed 3 bowling points.

In reply, Whanganui lost opener Joel Clark early but steadied the ship with relative comfort on a batting-friendly pitch. However, the breakthrough came when Jordan Gard dismissed Nick Harding with one big hit too many. Young left-arm spinner Liam Carr then displayed his guile to remove skipper Greg Smith, with Ryan Watson taking a sharp catch at slip.

At stumps, Whanganui was 84 for 3, with Taranaki earning an additional bowling point. Tom Dempster remains unbeaten on 32 and will look to anchor the innings as Whanganui aims to surpass Taranaki’s 331 for the all-important first innings points.

Adding to the occasion, debutant Chris Logan was presented his cap #709 by Inglewood Cricket Club teammate Bailey Wisnewski, marking a proud moment for the young cricketer.

Day 2 promises plenty of exciting cricket as Taranaki hunts early wickets and Whanganui seeks to build a competitive response.