The fickle Western Bay of Plenty weather on Saturday saw the Williams Cup major semifinal completed in Te Puke, while the minor semifinal at Mitchell Park in Tauranga was abandoned after just 13 overs of the first innings.
Carrus Mount Maunganui conceded home ground advantage against New World Te Puke after the post-section encounter was transferred from the grass at Blake Park to the artificial surface at the Te Puke Domain because of heavy overnight rain.
Te Puke batted first and were bowled out for 176 with premier team stalwarts in Tai Bridgman-Raison (41) and Stephen Crossan (37) leading the way with the bat. Northern Knights quick bowler Tony Goodin made a return to his club side to take four wickets at a cost of 27 runs with Dan Hill taking three Te Puke bowling scalps.
Mount Maunganui went out to bat with plenty of determination, however Christian MacDonald took career best premier bowling figures, grabbing a six wicket bag. While MacDonald bowls medium pace, he can swing the ball in either direction. which proved a real handful for the Mount Maunganui batsmen.
Mount Maunganui were removed for just 115 to hand Te Puke the direct route to the Williams Cup Grand Final.
