Cricket: East Bay take weather out of equation

East Bay United took the weather factor out of the equation, sweeping aside a dismal batting effort by Bay of Plenty Indians.

Playing at Rex Morpeth Park in Whakatane, the Indians could muster only a paltry 45 all out.

United bowler Joel Mathews feasted on Indian wickets, grabbing 5/22. He was joined at the table by his captain Dean Butterworth who grabbed three wickets for just two runs and Steven Ford who mopped up the last two Indian scalps.

Although the Indians snatched some early wickets, the Rotorua side's total was never going to be enough.

Up stepped Pip Thickpenny, who made the Bay development squad last season, while still at secondary school. The youngster scored a quick-fire 26 to help lead his team to victory.

Another Rotorua team, Central, were not so lucky with the weather, playing at home on Smallbone Park against Greerton. Central were on 90/4 when the rain washed away any hope of a result.

Meanwhile, Tauranga Boys' College upset Cadets at the Tauranga Domain in a game where rain forced a break in play at the half way stage of the encounter.

Tauranga Boys' captain/coach Mark Orchard led the way with a gritty century. He smashed 11 boundaries on his way to an unbeaten 107 runs, which saw his team post 201/6.

Tom MacRury was also in good touch, posting a half century.

James Birchall was the best of the Cadets bowlers returning 3/28 with New Zealand under-19 player Sean Davey taking two wickets.

Cadets were in early trouble, losing their first two wickets with just two runs on the board.

Joe Carter steadied the ship with 40 runs off just 41 balls then Josh Evemy continued the momentum to top score with 67 runs.

The Tauranga Boys' bowlers grabbed the last four Cadets wickets for just 10 runs to remove the home side for 162. The visitors wickets were shared around with Mark Orchard, Keaton Taylor, Tom MacRury and Henry Conway taking two wickets apiece.

Mount Maunganui declared at 224/7 in the match-up with Te Puke at Blake Park.

Daniel Hill smashed his highest premier club total to top score 80 with Ben Guild reaching 42. Jeremy Bates took 3/44 for Te Puke, while Sean Gibson and Tai Bridgeman-Raison both reached the 20s. The second turn at bat belonged to the home team bowlers who removed Te Puke for 102.

Bay of Plenty Cricket Association Baywide Cup Results;

BOP Indians 45 (Joel Mathews 5/22. Dean Butterworth 3/2, Steven Ford 2/11) lost to East Bay United 46/3 (Pip Thickpenny 26)

Tauranga Boys' College 201/6 (Mark Orchard 107no, Tom MacRury 50; James Birchall 3/28, Sean Davey 2/41 defeated Cadets 162 (Josh Evemy 67, Joe Carter 40; M Orchard 2/13, Keaton Taylor 2/19, Tom MacRury 2/27, Henry Conway 2/38)

Mount Maunganui 224/7 declared (Daniel Hill 80, Ben Guild 42, Russell Williams 25; Jeremy Bates 3/44 defeated Te Puke 102 (Sean Gibson 23no, Tai Bridgeman-Raison 23; Mike Jones 3/12, Steve Charman 2/9, D Hill 2/12, Alex Gooding 2/21)

Central v Greerton - play abandoned when Central were 90/4.