Local cricket fan Kale Wellington jumped at the chance to try and bowl out Mayor Stuart Crosby when the ICC Cricket World Cup roadshow came to town yesterday.
The Strand waterfront was transformed into a cricketing haven and Kale and other aspiring Black Caps took turns bowling a few oversto Mr Crosby and some of the other Tauranga city councillors who were batting in the practice nets.
A steady stream of visitors also jumped at the chance to check out the interactive exhibition about the tournament and have their photograph taken with the World Cup Trophy.
The chance to met one of their idols former Black Cap Chris Harris -- one of the tournament ambassadors on the nationwide roadshow -- was another drawcard.
But Kale, 6, was not overawed. He relished the chance to show off his skills and have his photo take with Mr Harris and the cup.
Monique Wellington, 30, said her son lived and breathed cricket.
"Kale has been playing since he was 4. He plays for Mount Maunganui Lions and his dad Tony used to work for NZ Cricket and we have full sized cricket nets at home," she said
An excited Kale said his Black Caps idol was captain Brendon McCullum because of his "ramp shot". He aspired to follow in his footsteps one day.
