Cricket: Wanganui Under 13 defeat Taranaki U13 in Inglewood

The Wanganui Under 13's celebrate their victory over Taranaki in Inglewood on Sunday.

Wanganui Under 13's put in a complete team effort to defeat Taranaki U13 by seven runs at Karo Park in Inglewood yesterday.

Arriving early at the park and feeling confident after beating Wairarapa, Wanganui won the toss and opted to bat first.

Openers Toby Craig (31) and Ollie Hutchins (53) patiently wore down the Taranaki bowlers, with an opening stand of 84 from 22 overs.

A couple of quick wickets saw Taranaki back in the game, until allrounder Levi Hoekstra stroked a quick 31 in partnership with Charlie Meredith (22) to get Wanganui through to 184 from their 40 overs.

Bowler Saul Abernethy struck early for Wanganui with his medium pacers, before older brother Geordie Abernethy hit the attack hard with his fast bowling, taking 2-18 from his five overs.

Captain Matthew Hocquard sent down his spinners to good effort, with 3-23 off seven overs, which was complemented by outstanding catches from Henry Carver and Saul Abernethy.

Debutant Peter Reynolds held his nerve, along with fast bowler Jonty Thomson, to tie down Taranaki's last few batsmen with pace and accuracy, restricting the home side to 177-9 by the end of the innings.