Tai Bridgman-Raison rewrote New World Te Puke batting history on Saturday when he blasted a big century in his team's Williams Cup encounter with Cooney Lees Morgan Tauranga Boys' College.
Batting first at the Te Puke Domain, the host side posted 296/4 with Bridgman-Raison stroking his way to 174. The long-time Te Puke player, who previously held the most centuries for the club with the late Andy Roberts, grabbed outright ownership with his big ton. His 174 also went past the club's premier highest score posted by Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson a few years ago.
Tauranga Boys' made a valiant attempt on the big target but were bowled out for 200 to give Te Puke their first win of the Williams Cup title race. Josh Earle did the damage with the ball taking five wickets.
For the third weekend in a row, Eves Realty Greerton chased down a big score when they took home a three wicket win over Carrus Mount Maunganui at Blake Park. The home side took first use of the wicket and made a grand start, with keeper Matt Golding and Nick Smith putting on an opening stand of 99 runs. Golding went on to top score with 87 as Mount Maunganui reached 232 for the loss of three wickets.
The Mount bowlers controlled the early momentum in Greerton's reply with the introduction of spin slowing the run rate. However Lee Watkins batting at six turned the encounter around, as he took aim on the boundary to belt an unbeaten 93, which included seven sixes. Skipper Shane Wineti (35) and Murray Jarvis (33) also made solid contributions as Greerton got home with three wickets to spare.
