A lack of runs from their top order batsmen again proved costly for Wairarapa when they were on the end of a seven-wicket beating by Horowhenua-Kapiti in their Hawke Cup qualifying round senior men's cricket match played at Queen Elizabeth Park Oval, Masterton, on Saturday and Sunday.
It was the second Hawke Cup defeat this season for Wairarapa in as many matches and, in both games, they have failed to get any early momentum into their batting efforts.
Against Taranaki a fortnight ago, they were six wickets down for just 55 in the first innings and 65 in the second and there was no improvement against Horowhenua-Kapiti with the first six wickets falling for 43 and 62.
This weekend's match did, however, produce greater resistance from the tail-enders, at least in the second innings where a 123-run partnership for the eighth wicket between Liam Burling and Gordon Reisima guaranteed Horowhenua-Kapiti would have a useful tally to make in their second "dig" if they were to secure the outright win.
With the visitors electing to give all but three of their players a bowl - and some of them dishing up some juicy half volleys - Burling and Reisima profited; Burling making up for his first innings "duck" by cracking 10 fours in his 89, which came from 130 balls, and Reisima being even more aggressive.
