Cricket: Brit Pedley impresses

Central bowler Andrew Gibbs rips a delivery down the pitch. He took a handsome three wickets for 40 runs off 14 overs on Saturday against Tauranga Boys' College. Photo / Stephen Parker

Rotorua newcomer Ryan Pedley blasted his maiden century on New Zealand soil to help Central Cricket Club grab their first win of the season.

Six centuries in the four Bay of Plenty Premier Baywide Cup games on Saturday had local cricket historians scurrying for the history books to verify the record-breaking day.

On a fine day at Boord Park in Rotorua, Central won the toss and put Tauranga Boys' College in to bat. Central bowlers Vaughan Blanchard 3/27 and Andrew Gibbs 3/40 did the damage, dismissing Tauranga Boys' for 198.

Englishman Pedley led the Central reply with an unbeaten 101, helping the Rotorua side cruise to a seven-wicket victory.

Pedley, 20, said it was his first century on New Zealand soil, after coming in at number three on Saturday.

"It felt really good, getting off to a quick start and getting a big score. It sets me a good bench mark for the rest of the season."

Pedley said he joined Central from an English club this season after a friend of his suggested he play in Rotorua for the summer.

Experienced bowler Gibbs said the bowling attack put the ball in good areas on Saturday, picking up plenty of wickets at a good rate.

"We were pretty ecstatic with the win. We have promised plenty this season but it hasn't quite gone to plan," he said.

"So to get it right especially with the bat was probably the most satisfying part."

Meanwhile, in Tauranga, the Rotorua-based Bay of Plenty Indians were beaten by Element IMF Otumoetai Cadets.

Cadets batted first and reached 241/9.

With Indians' danger man Bharat Popli falling in the twenties, Cadets had the upper hand and went on to remove the visitors for 143.

The top of the table clash at the Te Puke Domain between the home side and Mount Maunganui turned out to be one-way traffic. Mount Maunganui declared with 333 runs for the loss of just four wickets.

Bay wicketkeeper Tim Clarke scored 111 while skipper Pete Drysdale also reached three figures with 107 runs. In reply, City Sports Bar Te Puke were bowled out for 150.

Eves Realty Greerton were even more dominant in their Bay Cup encounter against East Bay United (Whakatane). Greerton won the toss and elected to bat with three of the top order smashing centuries.

Greerton amassed 355 for the loss of just two wickets and then bowled Eastern Bay team out for 90.