Cricket: Chalk and cheese in cup final

The old saying 'like chalk and cheese' would be an apt way to describe this year's finalists for Bay of Plenty cricket supremacy.

On one side you have Cadets who have won the Williams Cup one-day trophy an impressive nine times since their first win in the 1994/95 season.

However, their opponents Greerton have to go back 27 years to when they last lifted the Baywide prize.

Both teams get that chance when their top XIs take to the cricket oval at Blake Park, Mount Maunganui, tomorrow.

The trophy - which was first contested in 1932 - is a prize both sides have worked hard to achieve this season.

Greerton, especially, caused a major upset when they defeated last year's champions Mount Maunganui on the same ground last weekend.

Posting a modest 194/5, with Ben Williams top scoring with 81, Greerton would have been forgiven if they had thought they were out of contention to make the final.

However, some great fielding from the visitors, including three run outs, meant the home side were all out for 184.

Cadets had a more comfortable journey to the final when they took on Tauranga Boys' College at the Tauranga Domain last weekend.

The piled on 214/9 with Jono Boult and Matthew Drake grabbing half centuries. Boult backed up his batting form taking four wickets to help remove Boys' College for just 145.

Going on form Cadets would have to be the favourites leading into the final. However, if last weekend is anything to go by, Greerton will have plenty of confidence and will be looking to repeat the form they showed against the Mount.