Taranaki end Chapple Cup title drought

Revital Fertilisers Taranaki have secured the Chapple Cup for the first time in 10 years.

The 50-over competition central districts is played Napier across three days.

On day one Taranaki went up against Whanganui. Batting first, Taranaki made a steady start with Dean Robinson and Jesse Vertongen putting on 53 for the first wicket. for in

When they both departed it was left to Shaun Sullivan and Liam Muggeridge, who combined for a 104-run partnership with Sullivan bringing up his maiden century for Taranaki finishing on 104.

His innings was off 112 balls and included 11 boundaries and one six. Muggeridge made 50 and Kaylum Boshier finished the innings off with a well hit 37 off 23 balls, Taranaki ending on 286-7.

Whanganui were never in the hunt being bowled out for 192 inside 44 overs, with Daniel Burnet and Jacob Richards both picking up three wickets.

In the semifinal Taranaki were up against Manawatu¯ .

Taranaki batted first and set up a competitive total of 246-6, with Muggeridge scoring another half century and Phil Barraclough finishing on 72 not out.

Manawatu¯ looked to be cruising at 146-2, with 19 overs remaining, but the left-arm spin duo of Burnet and Mattie Thomas put a stop to it – Burnet picking up four wickets and Thomas three. Manawatu¯ finished 25 runs short, which saw Taranaki move into the final against Hawke’s Bay.

Hawke’s Bay won the toss and elected to bat first, a decision they would have regretted on the third ball of the day, as Ryan Watson had Hawke’s Bay opener Bayley Wiggins trapped in front.

Taranaki continued to apply the pressure with some tight bowling, dismissing Hawke’s Bay for 189, with Davis Mills picking up 3-32 and Watson 3-44.

In reply the Taranaki openers made a cautious start and it was Jesse Vertongen who went first in the 10th over with the score at 38.

Sullivan joined Robinson at the crease to put on a 84-run partnership before Sullivan departed for 34 with the score at 122.

If there were any nerves in the Taranaki camp Robinson soon dispelled them, timing the run chase to perfection to see Taranaki home in the 48th over for the loss of five wickets.

Robinson brought up his second century of the season and his 11th for Taranaki, ending on 104 not out, the innings including 13 fours and one six.