The arrival of daylight saving in New Zealand heralds a multitude of social cricket players dusting cobwebs off bat, balls and pads as twilight cricket takes centre stage for many in the Bay of Plenty.

New Zealand Cricket reported 170,000-plus registered players in the 2015/16 season, however anecdotal evidence suggested many more casual players turn out for social and twilight cricket each summer.

Bay of Plenty Cricket manager Tai Bridgman-Raison said the popularity of twilight cricket leagues reflected what people were increasingly looking for from their sporting experience - a limited time commitment, maximum involvement and an enjoyable social experience.

Rotorua's twilight cricket, otherwise known as 'business house' cricket traditionally starts after Labour Weekend and is played on a Tuesday and Wednesday evening.

Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.

Organiser Gary Dender said last season there were 28 teams registered and games were played at Boord Park, Puarenga Park and Neil Hunt Park.

Taupo social cricketers are catered for with Wednesday night hit-outs at Owen Delaney Park, with the Eastern Bay of Plenty twilight games also played on Wednesday evenings at artificial wickets around Whakatane.

Bay of Plenty Cricket Twilight Cricket Venues:

-Taupo Cricket Association - Wednesday Nights @ Owen Delaney Park
Contact - taupocricket@gmail.com

-Mount Maunganui Cricket Club - Monday & Tuesday Nights @ Blake Park
Contact - David Tatley 027 321 8027

-Te Puna Rugby Club - Thursday Nights @ Maramatanga Park
Contact - Steve Meredith 027 282 7500

-Rotorua - Tuesday and Wednesday Nights at various venues
Contact - g.k.dender@xtra.co.nz

-Te Puke Cricket Club - Tuesday Nights @ Te Puke Domain and other grounds
Contact - Barry Roderick 027 710 5449

-Whakatane United Cricket Club - Wednesday nights at various venues
Contact - Alex Yates 027 322 6774