Cricket: Baywide Cup approaches climax

Central Indians batsmen Steve Nicholls (left) and Jake Rowe take a run against Lake Taupo. Photo / Stephen Parker

There is a sense of urgency for Baywide Cup contenders with just four rounds of qualifying play remaining before the two top sides on the standings fight out the 2017 title decider on December 16.

An extra incentive to take out the first Baywide championship of the season is the 2017 titleholder will represent Bay of Plenty in the 2018 ND Club Championships, against the Northland, Counties Manukau, Hamilton, Waikato Valley and Poverty Bay club champions.

Wet weather has wreaked havoc so far this season and contenders will be crossing their fingers for uninterrupted play tomorrow.Defending Baywide Cup champions Carrus Mount Maunganui visit Smallbone Park in Rotorua to square off with Central Indians. Last weekend the Central Indians flexed their muscles against GM Painters Lake Taupo CC, posting a 140-run victory. The star of the show was Central Indians batsman Jake Rowe who finished on 99 not out, continuing his outstanding start to the season.

Headlining the Western Bay of Plenty premier action is the clash at Tauranga Domain, where hosts Element IMF Cadets will put the Baker Cup (WBOPCA Challenge Trophy) on the line, against competition leaders Eves Realty Greerton. The Pemberton Park-based team grabbed the lead on the points ladder when they defeated Tauranga Boys' College in a high scoring battle of attrition last weekend.

Fifteen-year-old Cadets bowler Tim Pringle holds a share of second place in the Baywide Cup bowling stakes and has returned best figures of four wickets at a cost of 14 runs. The young bowler will receive plenty of support from Bay of Plenty representative all-rounders Jono Boult and Sean Davey.

Josh Bates, who has returned to the Greerton premier ranks, has also been in good form with the ball and shares second place in the bowling stakes with Pringle and Bayleys Central Indians stalwart Andrew Gibbs - behind Josh Earle from Te Puke. Bay of Plenty quick Tommy Clout has returned from injury and could make life difficult for the Cadets' batting attack.

Mount Maunganui lurk a few points off the pace, however they know how to fight hard in adversity, with the visitors likely to give Central Indians a fierce challenge.

Lake Taupo CC are on the road again before rounding out their first venture in Baywide Premier cricket with three home games. They will play Cooney Lees Morgan Tauranga Boys' College at Nicholson Field and will want to post a substantial score in their turn at bat, to show the other sides that they are a competitive unit.

BOPCA Baywide Cup Round Four Draw - November 18

Element IMF Cadets v Eves Realty Greerton, Tauranga Domain; Bayleys Central Indians v Carrus Mount Maunganui, Smallbone Park; Cooney Lees Morgan Tauranga Boys College v GM Painters Lake Taupo CC, Nicholson Field; New World Te Puke the bye.

Meanwhile, in the Rotorua/Taupo Senior Reserve Grade, Taupo Old Boys 2 play Taupo Old Boys 1 at Kaimanawa in Taupo and Ray Boord Park in Rotorua will host a triple-header as Geyser WHHS Old Boys play Lake Taupo Cricket Club Second XI, Geyser JPC Old Boys play BOP Indians and Central play Eastern Pirates.

Points Table

Greerton 13, Cadets 10, Tauranga Boys College 10, Te Puke 10, Mount Maunganui 7, Central Indians 6, Lake Taupo CC 3.