Cricket: North bowlers loose

The Northland team's first hit-out of the 2012-13 season didn't go exactly to plan but skipper Neal Parlane believes there is enough talent in the tank to give Auckland a run when they visit on Sunday.

Northland were comfortably beaten by a big-hitting Counties side who revelled in good batting conditions at Cobham Oval on Sunday.

"Things certainly didn't go our way but I think we've got a reasonably strong team this year, Counties have already played a couple of games and are probably one step ahead of us but I think we'll catch up pretty quickly," he said.

Counties amassed a whopping 321/7 in their 50 overs, smashing the Northland bowlers all over the park. Luke Williamson top-scored with 54 but nearly all the visiting batsmen cashed in with a half century.

Another three players scored 40-plus.

Kevin Forde bowled well to claim 3-45. Fellow Kaipara Flats quick Matt Taylor strained a groin muscle after three overs and took no further part in the game, altering the balance of the bowling attack.

Parlane himself was another late withdrawal from the side, aggravating a nerve in his neck during club cricket on Saturday, and his brother Michael captained the side.

Northland's chase was in danger of collapse at 56/6 until Joe O'Sullivan and Rory Christopherson (23) rescued some respectability by producing a 50-run partnership. O'Sullivan went on to top-score with 80, with Forde smashing a quick 31 before Northland were all out for 214.

Neal Parlane said that although it was a preseason fixture, individuals in the team needed to start reaching their potential, with a more important fixture against Auckland just ahead.

"I'll be very disappointed if there's not a big step up next weekend.

"Our bowlers were just too inaccurate and our batsman didn't show enough guts - and that's something Northlanders pride themselves on," he said.

The captain was still waiting to hear whether Northern Districts would make first-class players James Marshall and Brad Wilson available for the match at Cobham Oval on Sunday.