Central Indians end BOPCA Williams Cup debut season on damp note

Central Indians co-captain Andrew Gibbs, being bowled by a ball just clipping his bail against Greeton at Smallbone Park this season. Photo/File

Rotorua's Bayleys Central Indians' BOPCA Williams Cup debut season has ended on a damp and soggy note.

Turbulent weather put paid to all of the matches in the last round of the regular competition including Central Indians clash against Element IMF Cadets away at the Tauranga Domain yesterday.This left the local side rock bottom of the table in the post-Christmas competition, on 15 points, while the semifinal playoffs were determined by last weekend's results.

Despite the disappointing table reading co-captain Andrew Gibbs said he regarded the season as a success, particularly with the merger of Rotorua Central and Bay of Plenty Indians.

"Just looking at that on paper, of course, to many it doesn't look good but that's only half the story. We competed strongly in every game and it was a case of missed opportunities that cost us. A lot of that comes with experience and we've had some very young players taking to the field at times.

"The joining of two clubs has worked well. The standard of play definitely jumped up and this was clear to see especially in training."

Going forward Gibbs added he was excited for the future of the club.

"There's a lot of potential here," he said. "It's all about having a positive attitude and looking at where we can improve. It's been my first season as co-captain and I've learnt so much. That's something I can bring into next season.

"We need to look at fielding a consistent squad and how we can improve training. In the area we don't have indoor facilities that cater for us over winter but that's something that hopefully can be looked into."

Meanwhile Cadets finished at the top of the standings and will play Carrus Mount Maunganui in the major semifinal at the Tauranga Domain next Saturday .

The winner of the major match will progress straight through to the Williams Cup grand final on March 25 with the loser given another bite of the cherry against the minor semifinal winner on Sunday in the preliminary final .

A sudden death match-up will take place at Pemberton Park between Eves Realty Greerton and New World Te Puke in the minor semifinal on March 18, the prize at stake being a place in the preliminary final, against the major semifinal loser.

BOPCA Williams Cup playoffs (March 18):

Major semifinal: Element IMF Cadets v Carrus Mount Maunganui, Tauranga Domain, Tauranga.

Minor semifinal: Eves Realty Greerton v New World Te Puke, Pemberton Park, Tauranga.

Williams Cup points table (final): Element IMF Cadets 52, Carrus Mount Maunganui 46, Eves Realty Greerton 40, New World Te Puke 28, Cooney Lees Morgan Tauranga Boys College 16, Bayleys Central Indians 15.