Bay Oval shines in first ODIs

SURREAL: Kelvin Jones' dream of seeing international cricket matches in Tauranga has come true. PHOTO/ANDREW WARNER

Having international cricket at Mount Maunganui's Bay Oval is a "dream come true" for Kelvin Jones.

Mr Jones, Bay Oval Trust general manager, said after more than 10 years of planning, building and fine-tuning the cricket oval, to finally see an international match in Tauranga was "surreal".

"It's a bit of a dream come true. We've talked about international cricket here in Tauranga and to see it actually happening is surreal.

"We had to do something. We're too big a region not to have first class cricket. We had to dream big with a bit of a blank canvas."

Yesterday wrapped up Tauranga's second international one day cricket match at Bay Oval. South Africa won the match by 72 runs.

The grass embankments were packed with about 5000 people, many of whom took a day off work to watch the Black Caps and enjoy a day in the sunshine.

Although the day started out cloudy, cold and windy, it did not dampen spectator spirits and cheers constantly greeted any positive play by the New Zealand team.

Mr Jones said he did not receive any negative feedback about the grounds and facilities - the only bad feelings were around the Black Caps' performance.

"I think a lot of Tauranga people didn't even realise the oval was here. From that point of view, we've had a real winner.

"On Tuesday, we had about 2500 people. We got in excess of double that [yesterday]. Those are good numbers for cricket and to get 7000-odd people here on a work week and in October ... we talk about it being the biggest sporting event Tauranga has had.

"It's not huge numbers-wise but national and international coverage certainly makes it a success."

Yesterday's crowd numbers had met organisers' expectations, Mr Jones said.

There was always a risk of lower numbers during the working week.

There had been a great vibe at the oval for both matches.

"It's still the Mount vibe. It's a nice buzz and nothing too over the top. We've had nothing but positive feedback. Everyone is just happy to be here and happy to have top class sport in the Mount."

There were no firm plans for more international cricket in Tauranga but Mr Jones said this week's matches were all about "proving ourselves to New Zealand Cricket".

NZ Cricket chief executive David White said the Bay Oval has proven itself as an international cricket venue.