Cricket: Ton-up kid MacRury keeps on track

Greerton celebrate after defending the Baywide Cup against Cadets in the final at Pemberton Park.

Greerton opening batsman Tom MacRury is well-established in the Bay of Plenty rep team and is pushing for higher honours with the Northern Knights.

But he may not have played a more important innings than his match-winning 128 not out in his team's total of 224 in the Baywide Cup final against Cadets at Pemberton Park on Saturday.

MacRury, 21, scored his fifth century for Greerton which meant so much more because his team won.

"I was just praying we would win because I didn't want to get a losing hundred. No one wants that," he said.

"It was definitely hard work early to see off the opening bowlers [Donovan] Deeble and [Sean] Davey. I had to dig in as we lost wickets early and then I was lucky enough to get some runs for the boys. I am stoked."

MacRury has had an up-and-down season with the bat but approached this key innings for his club with a fresh outlook.

"I sort of just let everything go and tried to be as clear as I could, and go out and get some runs in the biggest game of the season."

Greeton just held off Cadets, who made 218/7 in a rousing final and tremendous endorsement of the calibre of Baywide cricket.

"It is pretty awesome to defend the cup. It was our goal at the start of the season so full credit to Mox [MacRury] with the bat carrying us, and all our bowlers did so well," Greerton captain Shane Wineti said.

"We had them 18/3 and we thought we were right in there, and then a great partnership (106) from Jonno [Boult] and Sifty [Scott Steward] probably put it in their hands."

The win means Greerton will again be Bay of Plenty's team to take on Northern Districts' best to play at the annual National Club Cricket Championships held at Cornwall Park in Auckland.

"We have what it takes to win up there," Wineti said.