Bayleys Central Indians have progressed from undergoing a season's revival in fortunes to genuine Williams Cup contenders after they dispatched Element IMF Cadets in Rotorua on Saturday.
Cadets, who are the defending Williams Cup title holders, batted first and reached 161/8 in their 50 overs. Cadets all-rounder Ben Christensen top scored with a neat half-century while Morton Freer made a useful contribution of 22. Chris Tupea, who has transferred from the Eastern Bay of Plenty to Central Indians to play premier cricket, was the best of the Rotorua side's bowlers taking 2-16.
Ajay Kumar opened his side's chase for victory with a quick-fire 58 from just 44 balls that included six fours and three shots over the boundary. So Rana continued the Central Indians charge for the win points on offer with 46, while Jake Rowe took them home to victory posting an unbeaten 24.
Carrus Mount Maunganui bowler Tony Goodin showcased his batting skills belting a half-century in his side's win over Cooney Lees Morgan Tauranga Boys' College. Taking first use of the wicket at Blake Park, the home team posted 197/9, with George Signal (44) and Dan Smith (39) also making solid contributions to the Mount Maunganui total.
Four wickets from Mount Maunganui skipper Dale Swan played a big part in Tauranga Boys' being removed for 150 to hand the home side a 47-run victory. Craig Baldry, who has recently joined the Mount after leaving Tauranga Boys' College, grabbed three wickets. Matt Golding was the best of the Tauranga Boys' reply, top scoring with 45 runs.
