Element IMF Cadets and New World Te Puke will fight out the 2017 Baywide Cup title at Tauranga Domain tomorrow afternoon
While Cadets have won the Baywide trophy on two previous occasions, Te Puke aims to win it for the first time. The winner will go on to represent Bay of Plenty in the ND Club Championships in 2018.
Cadets led the round robin qualifying rounds throughout without a loss while Te Puke had to beat Eves Realty Greerton in a knockout clash last weekend to reach the final.
Led by a century from Greerton's new season recruit Umesh Ranaraja, the Pemberton Park based side posted a solid target when they were bowled out for 241. Two knocks in the 60s from long-serving Te Puke batsmen Stephen Crossan and Tai Bridgman-Raison got their team to a four wicket win.
The two leading batsmen in the Baywide Cup batting stakes could play a big part in the final. Bay of Plenty rep Joe Carter is top of the batting standings with 263 runs and a highest score of 137 not out. Te Puke captain Stephen Crossan has scored 213 runs with a best of 101 not out.
Cadets leader Jono Boult (12) and Te Puke's Cam Riley (11) occupy the top two spots in the Baywide bowling ranks. Riley has a busy week representing Bay of Plenty Coastland at the annual ND Senior Secondary cricket tournament in Gisborne, before backing up on Saturday in the Baywide Cup title decider.
Greerton will square off with Carrus Mount Maunganui at Pemberton Park in the battle for third place.