Cricket: Central secure more silverware

Central have locked away the Grantleys Liquor Merchants Challenge Cup for the season and now turn their focus to the 40-over series.

The Rotorua side secured the top spot in the reserve grade's final round after a dominant performance over Bay of Plenty Indians.

John Downs was the best of the Central batsmen scoring 59, with Dave Hunt and Ben Fraser both hitting 35 apiece and Shayde Perham chipping in with 22.

The Rees Uerata-led side were bowled out in the 37th over for 174. With the Indians finding the Ray Boord Park conducive to spin, the Central side also looked to take advantage of the turning track.

John Collier was the best of the bowlers with the right hander snaring 4/26 off his eight overs. Ben Fraser, normally a left hand medium pacer, turned his hand to some off spin with some good results at 3/11. The captain Uerata also chipped in picking up two wickets for 10 off 4.2 overs.

The Indians struggled with the combinations of Collier and Uerata's medium pace and Fraser's spin to have the side all out for 97 in the 32nd over.

Central's win means the side can lock the Grantleys Liquor Merchants Cup in their trophy along side their Twenty 20 trophy for the season. The cup which is like the Ranfurly Shield is only put up during the preliminary rounds.

Their win also gave the side the top position in the series despite the Taupo Wanderers having the equal amount of competition points.

Wanderers hosted Geyser City at Owen Delany Park at the weekend. Batting first, the visitors posted 161/8 in their allocated overs. Geyser's Dave Muir was the best of the batsmen with 23 not out. The Wanderers bowling attack was lead by Sage Davey who picked up 3/19.

The home side ran down the total in the 32nd over for the loss of four wickets. P Thornton was the top scorer for the Wanderers with 35.

Central gain the top position after a better net rate of 24.32 compared to the Wanderers 20.12. The results means a repeat of the weekend's matches with Central taking on the Indians at Boord Park and the Wanderers hosting Geyser at Owen Delany Park.

The winners of both matches will play the final on March 23.

Points and net rate table;

Central 24, 24.32; Taupo Wanderers 24, 20.12; Geyser City 18, 22.45; Bay of Plenty Indians 0, 18.73.