Rotorua Central surged to the top of the Baywide T20 standings yesterday after winning the only completed match in a day where rain had the final say.

Fergusson Park. Photo: file.

The four Baywide T20 encounters kicked off at Ferguson Park in Tauranga at noon on Saturday, with rain clouds lurking in the vicinity. Central batted first against Greerton and were quickly in trouble losing their first two wickets without a run being registered on the score card.

However, the defending T20 titleholders fought back courtesy of a fighting knock of 82 from Kyle Blanchard. Mark Chapman, who has returned to the Rotorua side's ranks from retirement, posted a solid 60 runs as his team finished at 164/5. Campbell Thomas grabbed two wickets for 22 runs for Greerton.

While Greerton made a strong start at 34/1 with Kent Hodder unbeaten on 22 when the rain arrived – the game produced a Central victory after the necessary five overs were completed in the games second turn at bat.

With three other round three and none of the round four games completed, Central have surged to the top of the T20 leader board at the half way stage of the competition.

Bay of Plenty Cricket Results, November 15:

Baywide T20 – Round Three

Central 164/5 (K Blanchard 82, M Chapman 60; C Thomas 2/22) defeated Greerton 34/1 after 5 overs when rain stopped play (K Hodder 22no)

Te Puke v Cadets, BOP Indians v Mount Maunganui, Ferguson3; Whakatane United v Tauranga Boys' College – not completed due to rain.

Round Four – not played due to rain.