A blazing century from Element IMF Cadets new recruit Joshua Bates wasn't enough to stave off defeat from Eves Realty Greerton, in the opening round of the Williams Cup on Saturday.

Batting first, Greerton posted 202/7 at their headquarters at Pemberton Park.

Lee Watkins top scored for Greerton with 82 runs before being caught behind by the Cadets keeper. An 80 run, sixth wicket stand between Watkins and Tom Renouf put the home side in a strong position. Gurwinder Singh and Ben Christianson were the best of the visitors bowling attack with two wickets apiece.

Josh Bates and Rueben Clinton took to the Greerton bowlers and at 110 /1 at the 17th over drinks break, the defending Williams Cup holders were cruising. Clinton was the first to go with 36 runs to his name, with Bates continuing his serious attack on the Greerton bowling. The former Christchurch player, who was playing just his second match in the Cadets strip, smashed 101 before being dismissed.

Greerton leggie James Boyd changed the momentum in the game, with five wickets, with the Cadets middle order and tail dismantled for 20 odd runs, as Cadets were bowled for 182.

Bayleys Central Indians continued their mid-season renaissance, defeating Cooney Lees Morgan Tauranga Boys' College, which follows three T20 wins in the two weekends since the holiday break. The Tauranga students reached 180/9, with opener Marcel Collett top scoring with a hard fought 42 runs. Andrew Gibbs and Shonit Chandra did plenty of damage with the ball with three wickets apiece.

Stephen Nicholls got the Rotorua visitors away to a good start with 26 runs, with Ben Sanford anchoring his team's victory with a gritty 36, as Central Indians got home with two wickets to spare. Central Indians captain Andrew Gibbs said, recruiting a couple of new players and a renewed focus on the game, had played a big part in his side's revival in fortunes.

Carrus Mount Maunganui and New World Te Puke had a good old fashioned battle at Blake Park, before the hosts took out the match, with three wickets in hand. Te Puke reached 214 in the 48th over, with Tai Bridgman-Raison the best of his sides batting attack with 61 runs. Tony Goodin bowled with his usual guile to grab four Te Puke bowling scalps.

Brenton Thompson sent a reminder the Bay of Plenty representative selectors, leading his side to victory smacking 91 runs in an innings which contained fifteen 4's. Dan Smith, Logan Carr and skipper Dale Swan all made solid contributions in the twenties, greatly assisting their sides three wicket win.

Bay of Plenty Cricket Results

Williams Cup

Eves Realty Greerton 202/7 (L Watkins 82, T Renouf 48, B Lind 21; B Christensen 2/23, G Singh 2/24) defeated Element IMF Cadets 182 (J Bates 101, R Clinton 36; J Boyd 5/46, J Tutty 2/21)

Cooney Lees Morgan Tauranga Boys' College 180/9 (M Collett 42, I Singh 33; S Chandra 3/28, A Gibbs 3/37) lost to Bayleys Central Indians 183/8 (B Sandford 36, S Nichols 26)

New World Te Puke 214 (T Bridgman-Raison 61, D Price 46, G Wallace 33, C MacDonald 21; T Goodin 4/18, J Cornelius 2/25) lost to Carrus Mount Maunganui 216/7 (B Thompson 91, D Smith 29, D Swan 23no, L Carr 23; B Gilroy 4/52, C MacDonald 2/35)

GM Painters Lake Taupo CC the bye.

Points Table

Mount Maunganui 6, Greerton 6, Central Indians 6, Te Puke 0, Cadets 0, Tauranga Boys' College.