T20 action kicks off Baywide cricket season

Central Indians batsman Cam Ingram lines up a shot against Greerton last season. Photo / File

A clash between New World Te Puke and Eves Realty Greerton, who share a rivalry that dates back to the mid 1980s, will be one of the highlights of this weekend's Baywide Twenty20 competition in Rotorua.

While both sides have won plenty of Baywide silverware over the years, neither side has won the Baywide 20 over per side competition since it was introduced in 2011.

Last season's Baywide T20 Championship was taken out by Carrus Mount Maunganui who came back from being bowled out for just 76 by Element IMF Cadets only seven days before the title decider.

Batting first, Mount Maunganui gave themselves a good shot at winning the T20 crown for the first time when they posted 176/6. Bay of Plenty representative skipper Peter Drysdale was in sterling form with his willow weapon, top scoring with 92 runs. Nick Smith made a solid impression lower down the order with a hard fought 38. Cadets all-rounder Sean Davey was the best of his side's bowling attack with three wickets at a cost of 31 runs.

The defending title holders needed nearly nine runs an over and made a blazing start, with Sean Davey going on to top score with 42 runs. A stunning catch on the boundary by Dominic Radich removed Jono Boult when he was looking to hit out. Peter Drysdale backed up his batting heroics holding two catches in the deep, as Cadets were removed for 134 to give Mount Maunganui their first Baywide T20 title.

Other early afternoon games at Boord Park in Rotorua see Bayleys Central Indians play Cadets, and Bond and Co Tauranga Boys' College take on Mount Maunganui.

GM Painters Lake Taupō CC make their season entrance in the late afternoon second round, after sitting out the bye in round one, where they will square off with Tauranga Boys' College.

The Taupō team found out about the realities of Baywide premier club cricket in their inaugural Baywide season 12 months ago. But, with some quality new recruits and a season of Baywide battles in their score book, the team from the middle of the North Island is expected to be competitive this season.

Greerton and Cadets will both want to lay down the challenge to the other sides when they meet in round two, with Te Puke and Mount Maunganui rounding out the weekend's opening day.

Baywide Twenty20 at Boord Park

Round one: Bayleys Central Indians v Element IMF Cadets, Bond & Co Tauranga Boys College v Carrus Mount Maunganui, Eves Realty Greerton v New World Te Puke, GM Painters Lake Taupō CC the bye.

Round Two: Bond & Co Tauranga Boys College v GM Painters Lake Taupo CC, Eves Realty Greerton v Element IMF Cadets, New World Te Puke v Carrus Mount Maunganui, Bayleys Central Indians the bye.

Previous winners

2011/12: Tauranga Boys' College
2012/13: Tauranga Boys' College
2013/14: Rotorua Central
2014/15: Rotorua Central
2015/16: Ōtūmoetai Cadets
2016/17: Not played
2017/18: Mount Maunganui