Ashvin Patel loves his cricket.
So when he arrived in Patea three-and-a-half years ago to run the local Four Square store and the town was without a cricket team, Mr Patel set about assembling one with help from Patea Rugby & Sports Club.
During their first season of competitive play last year, the Patea cricketers took out the South Taranaki T20 competition and were Taranaki second-grade champions.
"We won 16 games in a row last year," said Mr Patel.
He said the team were hoping for more success this year. Their season begins on October 22 with a T20 competition before Christmas and 40-over cricket after that.
The club is also working with Kakaramea, Patea Area and Whenuakura schools to field a junior team and ensure the future of cricket in the district.
This season they have a few new players joining their squad of 16, six of whom are members of Mr Patel's family.
"We've had very good support from the community," said Mr Patel.
The Patea Lions Club, for example, helped fund new carpet for an artificial wicket at the local school.
The team practise at Patea Area School on Wednesdays at 5.30pm and Mr Patel said anyone interested in playing cricket was welcome to join them.