Manawatu¯ stumble in Hawke Cup

Manawatu¯’s Hawke Cup chances are in trouble after a first-innings loss to Taranaki.

Taranaki’s win at Ha¯wera at the weekend was set up by an unbeaten century from opener Dean Robinson, who scored 148 as Taranaki posted 268 batting first. They bowled out Manawatu¯ for 199.

The result leaves Manawatu¯ needing Taranaki and Hawke’s Bay to stumble, although Manawatu¯ play Hawke’s Bay in their next game next month and could claw back points there.

Manawatu’s first game of the season against Whanganui was rained off.

Manawatu¯ coach Luke Murray knew the loss hurt their chances of topping the group and earning a Hawke Cup challenge.

‘‘It’s a bit of a killer, but we’ve got to carry on, hold our heads up. Rain can happen in other areas,’’ he said. ‘‘It’s a shame we’re got to rely on that, but we’ve got to keep playing. We’ve talked about representing Manawatu¯. Every time you do it you give it everything.

‘‘We’ve got to continue to do that and continue to work hard and get over the hump.’’

Murray said they had a young squad that needed to become a more hard-nosed group of players because they hadn’t been ruthless enough in their mental approach.

He said the team were disappointed they didn’t achieve what they wanted, but there were aspects, including their bowling, he was happy with.

Chasing Taranaki’s 268 on the second day, Manawatu¯ had lost only one wicket, but the session after lunch was costly. Opener Mason Hughes scored 87, but few others pushed on and at one point they were 148-7.

Hayden Hill hung around with the tail, scoring 33 and getting them close to 200, but they were still well short of Taranaki’s total.

Robinson’s century made a big difference for Taranaki and Murray said Robinson, who faced 339 balls, showed them how to bat on the slow wicket, with a patient and quality knock. Murray praised the work of his bowlers, but said they missed a couple of chances. Medium pacer Tim Richards took 3-53, while seamers Andre Hoggard and Carlos Jensen, and spinner Trent Mcgrath took two wickets each. Robinson’s score made the difference between the two sides.