Rotorua Central are back to back Lonestar Tauranga T20 Championship winners after defeating Element IMF Cadets in the title decider at Mount Maunganui's Bay Oval on Saturday.

Photo: file.

Central took first use of what was an excellent batting strip at Bay of Plenty Cricket's premier ground and got away to a good start. Led by a hard fought 49 runs from skipper Jason Trembath, the Rotorua team set their opponents a target of more than seven and a half runs an over, in posting 152/8. Vaughan Blanchard, Ben Blackett and Tahir Afridi all reached the 20s, with Ben Christensen the best of the Cadets bowlers taking two wickets for 19 runs.

The Western Bay side made a cracking start to their run chase. However, the Central slow bowlers cut down the Cadets' momentum. Needing 40-odd runs off the last four overs proved too much, with Cadets restricted to 143/7. Sean Davey top scored with 37, with Central's Ben Watkinson returning 2/19.

Just two teams have their names engraved on the Baywide T20 trophy, with Central joining Tauranga Boys' College, who won the first two editions of the Baywide T20 Championship. Jason Trembath was adjudged the Lonestar Tauranga Player of the Final with Sean Davey earning recognition as Cadets' best performer on the day.

There was plenty to play for in the early afternoon last qualifying round, with five sides having a theoretical chance of making the title decider. Eves Realty Greerton, who were out of contention, upset the applecart when they eliminated Carrus Mount Maunganui, who entered the last round in a share of the lead. Greerton's Charles Williams smashed his way to an unbeaten 107 as his team reached 158/8. The Greerton bowlers then restricted Mount Maunganui to 139/8 to claim bragging right on the day.

Cadets reached the final stanza in a power packed display of batting, posting 220 for the loss of a single wicket against BOP Indians. Sean Davey blasted 106 not out with Tom Sole belting 85 runs before dismissal. The Rotorua side were removed for 95 to hand Cadets a big win.

Central reached the final when they easily accounted for Whakatane United. After reaching 168/8, they proceeded to bowl the Eastern Bay side out for just 52. Tauranga Boys' College, who sat at the bottom of the standings half way through the competition, banked their third successive victory in defeating City Sports Bar Te Puke.

Bay of Plenty Cricket results, January 28

Baywide T20 Final:

Central 152/8 (Jason Trembath 46, Vaughan Blanchard 26, Ben Blackett 21, Tahir Afridi 20; Ben Christensen 2/19) defeated Element IMF Cadets 143/7 (Sean Davey 37; Ben Watkinson 2/19)

Round Seven

Central 168/8 (J Trembath 49, V Blanchard 38) defeated Whakatane United 52 (J Trembath 3/17, V Blanchard 2/14)

Element IMF Cadets 220/1 (S Davey 106no, Tom Sole 85; Donovan Deeble 22no) defeated BOP Indians 95 (K Corder 4/15, Morgan Bidois 3/21)

Eves Realty Greerton 158/5 (Charles Williams 107no) defeated Carrus Mount Maunganui 139/8

Tauranga Boys' College 170/7 (Mark Orchard 64, Tom Renouf 28, D Clarke 20) defeated City Sports Te Puke 131/5 (Brody Gilroy 33, Matt Dwight 30)

Points Table (Final)

Cadets 10, Central 9, Mount Maunganui 8, Tauranga Boys' College 8, Greerton 7, Whakatane United 6, Te Puke 4, BOP Indians 4.