Cricket: Tantalising contest looms in T20 final

Whakatane United have a slim theoretical chance of making the decider but must knock over Central and then hope other results go their way. Photo / Thinkstock

The second piece of silverware in the Baywide premier cricket competition will be presented this weekend.

The Lonestar Tauranga T20 final will be fought out at the Bay Oval at Blake Park, Mt Maunganui tomorrow.

The early afternoon qualifying round sees five teams with a mathematical chance of making the grand final.

Last weekend's two rounds of upset results reinforced that any side in the eight-team Baywide competition can win on the day.

Not only will the five contenders be playing for a place in the title decider, but the teams out of contention will take great delight in playing a spoiling role.

Heading into round five, Mt Maunganui and Cadets sit at the top of the standings on eight points. Defending title holders Rotorua Central lurk just a point behind, while Whakatane United and Tauranga Boys' College, who both posted two wins last week, are another point adrift. Teams are awarded two points for a win.

While the form-book says Cadets should beat BOP Indians, the Rotorua side which upset Te Puke and took the Eastern Bay representatives to the wire last week, shows a Cadets victory is no given.

While Greerton are out of contention for the major prize, they would take great pleasure in knocking the Mount out of the Baywide T20 grand final.

Whakatane United have a slim theoretical chance of making the decider but must knock over Central and then hope other results go their way.

Central were in the box seat entering last Saturday's two rounds, but losses to Cadets and Tauranga Boys' College mean they must beat the Eastern Bay representatives to have the opportunity to win back-to-back T20 crowns.

Tauranga Boys' College are in the same position as Whakatane United, needing a big win and results to go their way to make the final.

Standing in their path are Te Puke, who will want to finish with a win.

*Baywide T20
Draw, tomorrow: Round Seven (12pm): BOP Indians v Cadets, Blake2; Whakatane United v Central, Bay Oval; Tauranga Boys' College v Te Puke, Blake3; Mount Maunganui v Greerton, Blake1. Finals at 3.45pm.

Points: Mount Maunganui 8, Cadets 8, Central 7, Whakatane United 6, Tauranga Boys' College 6, Greerton 5, Te Puke 4, BOP Indians 4.