Cricket: Gotcha! Tickets to second one-day international

KEEN: Allan Sizemore with his tickets for the second one-day match between the Black Caps and South Africa today. PHOTO/ANDREW WARNER

Allan Sizemore couldn't wait to get his hands on tickets for today's Black Caps match in Mount Maunganui.

More than 2220 people turned out to watch Tuesday's One Day International between the Black Caps and South Africa, and Mr Sizemore and his elderly uncle Ray Jensen were there.

Mr Sizemore said he wasn't an avid fan of the game but went along to the Bay Oval because his uncle in his late 80s was keen to go.

Grabbing a prime spot next to the Pavilion, the two men enjoyed the day so much he and his uncle would be back at the oval again today.

Mr Sizemore said he was so impressed with what he saw both on and off the oval and he would happily attend more games, particularly if they were held in Tauranga.

"I had only attended a couple of cricket matches before, once when I was a kid and a 20-20 game at Eden Park about eight years ago. Tuesday's match was pretty exciting. I couldn't believe how fast some of the players were bowling and the intensity of the game."

The Bay of Plenty Times caught up with Mr Sizemore at Ticketek desk at Baycourt yesterday as he was buying two tickets for today's match.

Mr Sizemore praised the organisers, particularly for the security arrangements.

New Zealand Cricket spokesperson James Wear said 2238 fans attended Tuesday's one-dayer and as of last night 4532 tickets had been sold for today's game.

Mr Wear said the feedback from Tuesday's match was extremely favourable .

"It's an awesome way of kicking off a great season of cricket. It's a great looking pitch, the weather forecast looks good and the Black Caps loved playing on this ground and are looking forward today's match and we expect a huge turnout."

To buy tickets:
*Visit Ticketek at Baycourt
*Visit www.blackcaps.co.nz/priorityticketing/
*Gate sales at full price
*Match starts 10.30am.