Few William Cups have had a more explosive start than last week's first round of the long-time Baywide trophy.

East Bay United bundled defending champions Platinum Pacific Reclad Mount Maunganui out for 67, Eves Realty Greerton blasted over 300 runs and BOP Indians took Element IMF Cadets to the wire.

This Saturday's second round will be a chance for teams to draw breath and settle in for the long haul to the semi-finals in late March.

There is plenty to play for at Pemberton Park in the Western Bay of Plenty, where Greerton will meet East Bay United, with both sides taking unbeaten records into the encounter.

While inconsistent form tends to blight both Pemberton Park contestants – the start of the Williams Cup seems to have brought a new resolve to both teams.

Mount Maunganui offered few excuses with the 67 run rout inflicted by the East Bay United bowlers last week.

Joel Mathews ripped through the Mount's top order at Blake Park taking four wickets while East Bay skipper Dean Butterworth grabbed three wickets.

Success with the bat was the Greerton reward last weekend against iTCo Central at Pemberton Park.

The 80 runs smashed by Craig Budd was just the entrée after Shane Wineti arrived at the wicket.

At better than a run a ball, Wineti blasted his way to an unbeaten 110 which included five sixes.

Mount Maunganui will attempt to get their Williams Cup campaign back on track when they journey to the Te Puke Domain to face the home side.

There are sure to be few favours given to visitors by Te Puke, which has won the most Williams Cup titles over the years.

Last weekend, Te Puke lost a hard fought encounter with Tauranga Boys' College, however, the stars of the encounter were the two Dutch Academy team members who wear the Te Puke uniform this summer.

Paul van Meekeren and Joost Kroesen both took four wickets apiece to showcase their talents with the ball in hand.

Memories of a number of stirring battles in recent seasons should motivate both Cadets and Central who meet at the Tauranga Domain.

Few matches between the pair were more dramatic than in December 2007.

After Cadets were removed for just 72, current Black Cap Trent Boult ripped through the Rotorua side to grab 6/18, which greatly assisted his side to dismiss Central for 70.

Tauranga Boys' College won't be taking BOP Indians cheaply when they face off at Smallbone Park.

Last weekend the Indian side gave Williams Cup heavyweights Cadets a real shake before going down by a narrow margin.

Williams Cup Draw January 21

Te Puke v Platinum Pacific Reclad Mount Maunganui, Te Puke Domain; East Bay United v Eves Realty Greerton, Rex Morepeth Oval; Element IMF Cadets v Central, Tauranga Domain; BOP Indians v Tauranga Boys' College, Smallbone Park.