Tauranga took the first step to retaining the Attrill Cup when they defeated long-time rivals Rotorua in the first round of the 2013 Attrill Cup competition yesterday.
Bay of Plenty batsman Bharat Popli was the backbone of the Rotorua side, crafting 71 runs from 101 balls in his time at the crease. The Bay of Plenty Indians batsman was patience personified as he stroked the ball around Pemberton Park before his team were removed for 174. Liliesh Solanki also provided some genuine resistance with a gritty 28 runs.
Greerton bowler Campbell Thomas grabbed three wickets at a cost of 42 runs. One bowler to impress was Tauranga Boys' College youngster Gareth Wallace who returned 2/9.
Attack was the cornerstone of the Tauranga reply, with an opening partnership of over a hundred runs put on by skipper Jono Boult and Joe Carter.
When Boult was dismissed for 52, Tom MacRury continued the assault on the Rotorua bowling. Carter finished with an unbeaten 72 with MacRury posting 39 not out.