Cave Cup Thriller end’s Taranaki’s season
A heartbreaking super-over finish saw the Whitaker Civil Taranaki men finish the Chapple Cup knockout competition in sixth spot.
The side kicked off its 2024 campaign against a strong Manawatu side and having been sent in to bat made 207. Liam Muggeridge top scored with 67 and Bailey Wisnewski (31) and Oli Burbidge (43) both made good contributions. It wasn’t enough though, and Manawatu comfortably chased down the total in the 36th over for the loss of just three wickets.
That result sent Taranaki to the Cave Cup side of the draw and a semifinal the next day against Nelson.
Better luck at the toss meant Taranaki was able to send Nelson in, but the southerners batted well to make 251 off their 50 overs. Jarrod Ritson was the best of the bowlers, picking up 3/34 off six overs.
Wisnewski continued his good form with the bat at the top of the order and his 93 off 115 balls was the platform for Taranaki’s winning chase. Burbidge also continued his good run with a vital 38 in a vital 79 run stand with Mattie Thomas. Thomas hit an unbeaten 53 to lead Taranaki home in the 49th over.
In the Cave Cup final, Taranaki will be kicking themselves it even made it to a super over situation.
Batting first Taranaki made a good total of 269 in their 50 overs. Shay Smith top-scored down the order with 73 off 82 balls, but Wisnewski (36), Josh Borell (43) and Jordan Gard (33) all played good innings.
Horowhenua Kapiti managed to tie it up after 50 overs, despite Taranaki looking to have the game well in control until some strong late batting.
In the super over, Horowhenua made 18/0 batting first off their 6 balls, and Taranaki was only able to manage 15/1 in response.
The Chapple Cup tournament, won convincingly by Hawkes Bay, brings an end to the Whitaker Civil Taranaki men’s season, which also saw them finish third in the Furlong Cup.
Full Chapple Cup scorecards are available here at Play HQ: Tournament competition fixtures | PlayHQ
