The Ray White Wanganui Year 8's had a hard trip to Palmerston North with a nine wicket loss to a slick Manawatu Year 8 on Sunday.
Wanganui won the toss and elected to bat first in windy conditions on a hot, humid day.
They lost two quick wickets to be 8-2, before Harvey Meyer (16) and Carter Hobbs (63 not out) were left to get things back on track.
Once Meyer was dismissed, Wanganui lost wickets constantly including Daniel Burgess (10) getting caught behind on the last ball before drinks for 55-5.
After drinks, Josh Allpress (28) joined Hobbs for an excellent 80 run partnership to get Wanganui back in the game at 135-6.