The inaugural BPL was underway at Ivor Marsden Memorial Park. As the Southern Rockets and Western Power hoped to start their BPL campaign off in winning ways. The morning encounter was considered the match of the day by many, with the Power winning the toss and sending the Rockets into bat. Sean Lutter was bowling with some extreme pace starting with a maiden in the opening over . Rockets openers were a bit tentative at the start , with a couple top and bottom edges . Power’s tactics with the bowlers paid off , having a pace bowler at one end and a spinner from the other, right up to the last 2 overs, this made it hard for Rockets to steady. Rockets opener Nick McGill used great footwork against the spinners and anchored the Rockets innings but never really got going after getting caught at mid-wicket for 47 of 45 deliveries. Power’s bowling kept the pressure on the Rockets , also with some good fielding helped the Power, especially from wicketkeeper Jake Cross, with a great catch down the legside. A late cameo by Reece Mcdonald helped the Rockets reach 4/134.
Steve Paulsen showed why he was worth money in the auction with an exciting opening knock of 45 off 28 also backed up by other opener, Jake Cross who finished with 54 off 41. Cross continued to finish off where Paulsen had started, Cross and Paulsen had earlier had an opening partnership of 73 off 53, after Paulsen was caught at long on. Captain Harrison Wood had a handy 20 to anchor for Jake Cross and the Western Power. The Rockets on the other hand did get some late wickets , but in the end the Power’s will and determination to try and score off every ball was too strong for the Rockets. Power winning by 6 Wickets with 2 overs to spare.
