Central Indians looking to bounce back in Williams Cup

Central Indians' player Himesh Gosai, pictured earlier in the season, currently sits joint top of wicket taking in the Williams Cup with five bowling scalps. PHOTO/ FILE

Rotorua's Bayleys Central Indians are looking to bounce back to winning ways in the BOPCA Williams Cup.

But the local team face a tough test taking on undefeated Carrus Mount Maunganui away in the third round of the Bay of Plenty premier trophy competition at Blake Park tomorrow.The Mount have been the front-runner in this competition in the last decade, winning the Baywide big prize on four previous occasions. The top two spots in the current Williams Cup batting stakes are also held down by the team's opening pair of Brenton Thompson (162) and Nick Smith (104).

Central Indians are aiming to improve on last weekend's five-wicket defeat against Eves Realty Greerton and have a pair of match-winning bowlers in Himesh Gosai and co-captain Andrew Gibbs, with Gosai currently sitting joint top of wicket taking in the Williams Cup with five bowling scalps.

Gibbs said he was feeling confident but his side needed to improve in several key areas to compete against Mount Maunganui, especially eradicating any "soft balls" in their bowling attack.

"This week we've been working on putting pressure early on when we're bowling," Gibbs said. "Recently we've bowled too many extras and there's been quite a few soft balls which just invite batsmen to have a go.

"We know we can perform against the Mount, you just need to look at our performances from the last round. Yes they are top at the moment but that record means nothing to us. We don't pay attention to the other results around us."

Central Indians will be without experienced bowler and co-captain Shonit Chandra, who is unavailable for selection, but will be strengthened by all rounder Tom Yarrall and the possible availability of Northern Knights batsman Bharat Popli.

"We've got a very strong squad available," said Gibbs. "We're excited about Tom stepping into the fold. He's a great athlete and a very quick bowler - he'll certainly add a lot to the team."

Meanwhile, the only other unbeaten side Element IMF Cadets will play defending Williams Cup title holders New World Te Puke, at the Tauranga Domain.

Cadets all-rounder Ben Christensen will be one to watch after being in sizzling form with both bat and ball in the last two weeks. A five wicket bag in round one was followed up with his side's top score of 73 not out last weekend.

Te Puke are in desperate need of a win after a slow start to their title defence, with two losses and will look to bowler Calem Taylor who took five wickets for 23 runs in round one for inspiration.

And Eves Realty Greerton and Cooney Lees Morgan Tauranga Boys' College meet at Pemberton Park. Ones to watch with the bat will be usual Greerton opener Tom MacRury and Tauranga Boys' Charles Williams.

BOPCA Baywide premier competition fixtures

Williams Cup - round three:
(Saturday 21 January)

Carrus Mount Maunganui v Bayleys Central Indians, Blake Park 1, Tauranga.

Element IMF Cadets v New World Te Puke, Tauranga Domain, Tauranga.

Eves Realty Greerton v Cooney Lees Morgan Tauranga Boys College, Tauranga.

Williams Cup points table: Carrus Mount Maunganui 12, Element IMF Cadets 12, Bayleys Central Indians 6, Eves Realty Greerton 6, Cooney Lees Morgan Tauranga Boys College 0, New World Te Puke 0.