Looking to exploit the lack of genuine bowlers in the Panthers attack, the Bulls elected to bat first.

Promising all-rounder Sam Arsenic started well, removing Trent Tewharau in the second over courtesy of an unconvincing catch at first slip by Macpherson.

Nick Donker and Wes Hall consolidated, putting on 45 for the second wicket.

Luke Graefe shelled an easy chance at short leg to earn Hall a reprieve.

But later he ended his streak of nine dropped catches in a row, channelling the brilliance of Andy Griffin in the field. 

A steady flow of wickets limited the Bulls to 154, all out in the 36th over. 

Arsenic finished with 2/31, Graefe snaffled 2/25 and Dan Tucker utilised both pace and swing to take 4/21.

In reply, the Panthers started strongly, scoring 17 off the second over.

Dom Clark refused to play a defensive shot, and put on 51 with Macpherson for the first wicket.

Bellinger soon fell for a well made three, before Tucker and Macpherson steadied the ship with an even 50 run partnership.

Fresh off the plane from an 18 month exchange in Canada where he was a regular starting member in an ice hockey team, Macpherson utilised his tutelage from John Davison falling for 63 in his first game in two years sending shudders through the MICA bowling attacks.

The Panthers chased down the total in the 31st over, losing four wickets.

Alex Golan was the pick of the bowlers for the Bulls, taking 3/26, while Lewis Read spun some maidens taking an economical 0/18 off 8 overs.