Central Indians share the points against tough opposition

Central Indians' player Magan Vashisht (pictured playing earlier in the season) put on a strong opening batting performance with teammate Ajay Kumar on the weekend. PHOTO/FILE

In the BOPCA Baywide premier competition, local side Bayleys Central Indians' shared the points with second-placed Carrus Mount Maunganui after their game was abandoned.

Central Indians who bowled first, had success with the ball away on Saturday - with Juan Nieuwoudt impressing taking 2/32 and the team taking three screaming catches to dismiss the Mount for 146 after 40 overs.

In the second innings Central Indians batted with determination and were 50 without loss, off just seven overs, with batsman Ajay Kumar hitting 37 runs off 30 balls and Magan Vashisht on 13no but further rain resulted in the game being abandoned.

Central Indians co-captain Shonit Chandra said he was disappointed with the final outcome but praised his team's display.

"We've taken it as a win because we were going to chase down that target," he said. "Ajay was hitting the ball all over the park and the pair of them were really setting us up nicely and giving us confidence out there.

"I just really disappointed with how the game ended. I believe we could have gone out to play because the rain wasn't that bad. We should have played on but hey, that's cricket for you sometimes."

However, the Central Indians' drawing points did come as a welcome relief to the side after previously losing seven of their Baywide Cup game.

Meanwhile, top-of-the-table Element IMF Cadets extended their lead after beating New World Te Puke in a short and sharp encounter at the Te Puke Domain.

Te Puke batted first, and were bowled out for 73 with the home side's all-rounder Alex Gooding a shining light at one end as he top scored with a hard-fought 36.

The away side's Bay of Plenty representative Sean Davey did plenty of damage with the ball. He took 3/17 while Cadet's James Birchall, in just his second outing for Cadets this season, grabbed two bowling scalps without conceding a run.

The Tauranga visitors then cruised to victory to cement their spot at the top of the Baywide Cup standings, with an eight-wicket win. Davey backed up his performance with the ball to finish with 35 runs to his name.

The Cadets win has set up a title decider next Saturday with Mount Maunganui, which will be a tough battle for the right to lift the Baywide Cup aloft.

Elsewhere Eves Realty Greerton and Cooney Lees Morgan Tauranga Boys' College were on and off the field at Pemberton Park, before the encounter was eventually called off, with Greerton at 149/1.

BOPCA Baywide premier competition results

Baywide Cup:

Carrus Mount Maunganui 146 (Brenton Thompson 56, Ben Musgrave 22; Dave Lewy 2/2, Juan Nieuwoudt 2/32, Himesh Gosai 2/50) v Bayleys Central Indians 53/0 when rain stopped play - game abandoned with points shared.

New World Te Puke 73 (Alex Gooding 36; Sean Davey 3/17, James Birchall 2/0, Kamal Bains 2/2) lost to Element IMF Cadets 74/2 (S Davey 35).

Eves Realty Greerton 149/1 (Tom MacRury 74, Shane Wineti 56no) v Cooney Lees Morgan Tauranga Boys' College when rain stopped play - game abandoned with points shared.

Points table: Element IMF Cadets 164, Carrus Mount Maunganui 144, Cooney Lees Morgan Tauranga Boys' College 132, Eves Realty Greerton 116, New World Te Puke 96, Bayleys Central Indians 25.