Cadets on form to collect silverware

Bayleys Central batsman Ryan Pedley. Photo / Ben Fraser

Element IMF Cadets cruised to victory against defending Baywide T20 champions Bayleys Central in the 2016 title decider at Blake Park on Saturday.

It was their first Baywide silverware since winning the Baywide Cup in 2011.

Central batted first and were restricted to 104/8 as they lost regular wickets during their 20 overs. Ryan Pedley held the Central innings together to top score with 33 runs. Ben Christensen was the best of the Cadets bowlers grabbing three wickets with James Birchall taking two wickets.

Cadets took control from the start of their turn at bat. Donavan Deeble set up the victory with a quick fire 44, with skipper Scott Steward posting an unbeaten 35 with the win achieved in over 11 with eight wickets spare.

The final qualifying round in early afternoon play preceded the T20 title decider. Cadets put New World Te Puke to the sword in round seven. Batting first Cadets retired two players on their way to posting 181-1. Donavan Deeble retired at 53 with Morton Freer reaching the same mark. Five wickets from Lou Brook led the way as Cadets removed Te Puke for 96.

Central had a real battle with fellow Rotorua team Bay of Plenty Indians. Central reached 123/8 with Bay of Plenty Indians needing 10 runs in the last over to deny Central a berth in the final but they made just four.

BOPCA Lonestar T20 final

Bayleys Central 104/8 (Ryan Pedley 33; Ben Christensen 3/19, James Birchall 2/29) lost to Element IMF Cadets 106/2 (Donovan Deeble 44, Scott Steward 35no). Round Seven

Element IMF Cadets 181/1 (Donovan Deeble 53 retired, Morton Freer 53) defeated New World Te Puke 96 (Tai Bridgman-Raison 32, Lou Brook 5/14)

Bayleys Central 123/8 (Graeme Whiles 38; GS Gargan 4/23, LS Bhatti 4/24) defeated Bay of Plenty Indians 117/6 (GS Gargan 62no; Jason Trembath 5/24)

Eves Realty Greerton Greerton 119 (Shane Wineti 62, Kent Hodder 20, J Allen 3/14, Nick Smith 2/15) lost to Carrus Mount Maunganui 120/3 (Blair McKenzie 54)

Points Table (Final) Element IMF Cadets 15, Bayleys Central 10, Cooney Lees Morgan Tauranga Boys College 8, Carrus Mount Maunganui 7, New World Te Puke 5, Bay of Plenty Indians 5, Eves Realty Greerton 4.