Central clinch trophy nail biter

CENTRAL have won a nail-biter over Greerton in the first round of the McNaughton Trophy.

Making first use of the Smallbone Park batting strip, the home side posted 205 all out in the Baywide Reserve Grade championship with Reece Uerata top scoring on 60 runs and backed up by Richard Downs on 36, Grant Verral on 34 not out and Steve Whittaker on 31.

Greerton fell three runs short, getting bowled out for 202, thanks to some magnificent bowling by Downs, who grabbed five wickets from eight overs for a mere 20 runs.

Meanwhile defending McNaughton Trophy titleholder Mount Maunganui cruised into the semifinals with a comfortable win over Otumoetai College at Blake Park.

Batting first, the home side were bowled out for 236. Club stalwart Blair Parlane top scored with a sparkling 84, with Aaron Williams chipping in with a nicely timed 30 runs. Sanjay Mistry was the best of the College bowlers, taking two wickets for 31 runs.

Otumoetai College, who were playing in the Baywide competition for the first time, provided a spirited challenge for the defending titleholders. However, led by Dan Phillips who took four wickets, the College side were removed for 134, to hand the Mount side yet another semifinal berth.

Last year's beaten finalists Katikati threw down the gauntlet to the other McNaughton contenders with a comprehensive defeat of Cadets at the Tauranga Domain.

A relatively modest Cadets total of 169/9 provided all the incentive the visitors required, Mitchell Francis topping the scoreboard for Cadets with a unbeaten 42 and Matt Earl taking three wickets for the visitors.

Earl, who is a former Thames Valley representative player, flayed the Cadets bowling attack, smashing a quick-fire 78 at the top of the order. William Hayman was there when victory came with 42 not out.

Tokelau Cricket Club didn't have to work to register their win, with Te Puke defaulting.

McNaughton Trophy Round One

Mount Maunganui 236 (Blair Parlane 84, Aaron Williams 60; Sanjay Mistry 2/31) beat Otumoetai College 134 (Dan Phillips 4/9).

Cadets 169/9 (Mitchell Francis 42no; Matt Earl 3/22, Nick Millichip 2/13) lost to Katikati 170/2 (M Earl 78, William Hayman 42no).

Central 205 (Reece Uerata 60) beat Greerton 202 (R Downs 5/20).

Tokelau CC won by default over Te Puke.