Poverty Bay had a first-up loss by 26 runs in their opening game of a twenty20 cricket tournament in Taupo.

The three-day Northern Districts tournament at Owen Delany Park started yesterday.

Poverty Bay faced Counties-Manukau, who batted first and scored 163 for four.

The Bay replied with 137-6 in their 20 overs, with No.5 Robbie Tallott scoring 54 not out from 46 balls and No.6 Alex Gooding hitting 42 off 27.

They shared a 59-run partnership for the fifth wicket after Poverty Bay were in early difficulty at 30-4.

In the end, the run rate required got too steep for Poverty Bay.

Opener Luke Williamson led the batting effort for Counties-Manukau, scoring 62 from 49 balls.

No.3 Sandeep Patel chimed in with 43 from 34 balls and Scott Johnston 37 off 23.

Paul Stewart took two wickets for Poverty Bay, who were back in action today against Bay of Plenty and Northland.

Counties-Manukau 163-4 off 20 overs (Luke Williamson 62, Sandeep Patel 43, Scott Johnston 37; Paul Stewart 2-30) beat Poverty Bay 137-6 off 20 overs (Robbie Tallott 54 not out, Alex Gooding 42; Cameron Hardwick 3-19, James Naylor 2-23).