While the Bay of Plenty was forced to share points with Counties Manukau on day two of the Northern Districts one-day cricket tournament – a much improved Bay performance put the big first day loss to Hamilton firmly in the past.

After winning the toss, the Bay batted first and reached 272/7 after their allotted 50 overs. Vice-captain Ben Williams, who has returned the side after a season absence, top scored with a solid 64.

Bharat Popli, who shares the Bay of Plenty record for centuries, also went on attack to be rewarded with a half century, with Brett Hampton adding 40 runs to the Bay total.

The second session suffered a long delay after rain interrupted play, and when Counties finally went into bat, they were facing a target of 184 off 25 overs.

Bay of Plenty grabbed the ascendancy with the ball, to have Counties 104/7 after 18 overs when persistent rain halted play for the day.

Jono Boult and Brett Hampton took two wickets apiece to trouble the opposition batsmen throughout their turns with the ball.

While the match points were shared, the momentum was firmly with the Bay of Plenty side, when the match was abandoned.

ND One-Day Tournament Results – Day Two

BOP 272/7 (Ben Williams 64, Bharat Popli 52, Brett Hampton 40) shared points with Counties Manukau 104/7 after 18 over when rain stopped play.

Day One

Hamilton 315/5 (Tony Goodin 2/48) defeated BOP 164 (Peter Drysdale 46, Bharat Popli 32, Jono Boult 27).

ND One-Day Tournament Draw

Day Three – v Northland