There are no undefeated teams after completion of the first round of games in the Bullocks Twenty20 as Property Brokers United thrashed Matt Burke Engineering Marton Saracens by 138 runs on Saturday.
The United batsman ran rampant at Marton Park in scoring 238-4, as the returning Matthew Boswell (24) supported Greg Smith – frustrated not to be in Palmerston North for the Furlong Cup match and taking it out on the bowlers.
Smith smashed 100 from just 45 balls with 13 boundaries and three sixes, sharing in a 117 run opening stand with Boswell and then a quick fire 42 run partnership with fellow Englishman Freddie Wilson.
Wilson continued the hammering, finishing unbeaten on 83 from 31 balls, including nine boundaries and four sixes, while Brendon Walker came in for the final overs and hit two balls to the fence.
No bowler escaped punishment, while Freddy Lane's 2-37 from his four overs included getting Boswell and Smith.
In reply, Marton never even looked like giving the target a nudge, batting out to 100-8.
Josh Trillo scored 20 from 21 balls, as he batted from the third to the 12th over with three wickets falling at the other end, making survival the key.
Veteran spinner Martin Pennefather took 3-11 from his overs, while Harpreet Binning (2-21) and the still hungry Smith (2-5) enjoyed their afternoon at the crease.
At Victoria Park, Marist were delighted to welcome back their Canterbury rugby star Brett Cameron, fresh off winning the Mitre 10 Cup Premiership, and he made a big contribution in their 52 run win over St Johns Tech.
Cameron entered the game at 24-4 with no one having stayed with Kent Darlington (33), and proceeded to score 54 not out from 42 balls, partnering with Raponi Tofa (20 not out) to put on 63 runs in the last nine overs at 131-5.
In reply, Tech were bundled out for 79 in the 15th over, with no batsman reaching 20.
Canadian youngster Akhil Kumar was looking solid until being caught for 18, while only Dom Lock and Michael O'Leary also reached the teens.
Marist's bowlers shared the spoils, led by Zak O'Keeffe (3-16), Thomas Redpath (2-11) and Sam O'Leary (2-26).
The four Premier teams will now play each other again for a second round in December and January, followed by finals day at the end of the season in March.
Premier 2 saw an extraordinary occurrence as the Renegades played out a tie for the second game in a row, as they were deadlocked on 112 against the Watsons Real Estate United 2nd XI, following an adrenaline-charged final over where eight runs were scored and two wickets taken.
Scoreboard
Premier 1
United 234-4 (G Smith 100, F Wilson 83no, M Boswell 24; F Lane 2-37) bt Marton 100-8 (J Trillo 20; M Pennefather 3-11, G Smith 2-5, H Binning 2-21) by 138 runs.
Marist 131-5 (B Cameron 52no, K Darlington 33, R Tofa 20no; H Morrison 2-14) bt Tech 79 (A Kumar 18; Z O'Keeffe 3-16, T Redpath 2-11, S O'Leary 2-26).
Premier 2
Renegades 112-6 (B Heap 39, W Martin 26; S Meredith 2-15) tied with United 2nd XI 112-8 (A Bostock 26, A Kenny 26, R Holden 25no; D Worsfold 2-18, K Hutching 2-21, R Moore 2-35).
Collegiate vs Wicket Warriors unavailable.
Marton Saracens 2nd XI bye.