Cricket: Clinton and Boult help Cadets defeat Mount Maunganui

Mount Maunganui batsman Brenton Thompson lines up a shot in a game against Cadets on Saturday. Photo / Andrew Warner

A century from Element IMF Cadets batsman Ruben Clinton and a six-wicket bag from skipper Jono Boult have led their side to victory over Carrus Mount Maunganui.

The two sides can now look forward to a rematch in next weekend's Williams Cup semifinals.

Cadets faced a must-win encounter at the Tauranga Domain, on Saturday, to make the playoffs and made a great start posting 94 runs before Sean Davey was out for 39. Fellow opener Ruben Clinton took up the challenge and powered his way to 109 before being dismissed.

The Mount bowlers then slowed their opponent's momentum a little, with Cadets reaching 249 for the loss of six wickets in their 50 overs. Tony Goodin and Nick Smith were the best of the Mount Maunganui bowling attack with two wickets each.

Bay of Plenty representative allrounder Jono Boult weaved magic with the ball on his home track, taking six wickets for just 15 runs as Mount Maunganui were rolled for 110 to set up a rematch at Mount headquarters Blake Park next Saturday.

Bayleys Central Indians won a run-fest against GM Painters Lake Taupo CC to cement a berth in the major semifinal. The Rotorua side laid down a big challenge when they posted 319/8. Batting at three, Stephen Nicholls took charge to blast 147 at an impressive strike rate of 125. Ryan Neves was also in form with the bat, scoring 74.

The home team went after the big target with enthusiasm and were up with the required run rate for much of their innings. Lake Taupo captain Roger Urbahn top-scored with 49 runs. Central Indians bowlers Himesh Gosai and Jake Rowe took three wickets each as the Taupo side were bowled out for 234.

Cooney Lees Morgan Tauranga Boys' College defended a relatively modest 157 against New World Te Puke as they removed their opponents for 138 to claim the win points on offer.

The scenario in next weekend's playoffs is Eves Realty Greerton, who sat out the bye in the last round of qualifying play, will host Central Indians in the major semifinal at Pemberton Park. Mount Maunganui have home advantage against Cadets in the sudden-death minor semifinal, where the winner will go on to play the losing team from the major semifinal on Sunday.

Williams Cup results - Saturday, March 10

Element IMF Cadets 249/6 (R Clinton 109, J Carter 51no, S Davey 39, J Boult 27; N Smith 2/32, T Goodin 2/39) beat Carrus Mount Maunganui 110 (B Thompson 29; J Boult 6/15)

Cooney Lees Morgan Tauranga Boys' College 157 (T Pringle 37, B Pomare 57; J Earle 5/7) beat New World Te Puke 138 (T Bridgman-Raison 61; T Pringle 2/20)

Bayleys Central Indians 319/8 (S Nicholls 147, R Neves 74, Y Irani 20; W Perry 2/59, H Darlington 2/68) beat GM Painters Lake Taupo CC 234 (R Urbahn 49, B Inch 37, A Batta; H Gosai 3/36, J Rowe 3/41)

Eves Realty Greerton the bye

Final points

Greerton 40, Central Indians 29, Mount Maunganui 25, Cadets 21, Tauranga Boys' College 19, Te Puke 13, Lake Taupo CC 5.