Carrus Mount Maunganui and Eves Realty Greerton have cemented their places at the top of the Williams Cup standings, albeit in contrasting circumstances.
Mount Maunganui, who were missing five first-choice players because of representative commitments and injury, worked hard to reach 147 all out against Bayleys Central Indians yesterday. Logan Carr was the best of the Mount batsmen with 35 runs, while veteran all-rounder Nick Smith made a handy contribution of 29. Indians bowler Jake Rowe finished his allotted overs with 4/17, while Andrew Gibbs and Chris Tupea chimed in with two wickets apiece.
The Rotorua visitors to Blake Park went out to bat full of confidence and at 60 for two, were well in the hunt for the win points on offer. The Mount Maunganui bowlers then warmed to their task and, led by a four-wicket bag from Nick Smith, removed Central Indians for 100, to continue their unbeaten start to the Williams Cup.
Greerton hosted New World Te Puke at Pemberton Park, with the visitors batting first to set Greerton a solid target of 229. Gareth Wallace top-scored with 53 runs from 86 balls, with Tai Bridgman-Raison and Dan Price making solid contributions. Greerton leg spinner James Boyd was the best of his side's bowlers, taking three wickets for 45 runs.
Greerton kept up with the required run rate from the start, with opener Ben Lind posting 43 runs before being dismissed. Lee Watkins and recent Greerton recruit Pip Thickpenny settled down and put on a 154-run partnership to secure an eight-wicket victory. Watkins finished on an unbeaten 68 with Thickpenny posting 67 not out.
