For Rotorua fan, missing the final just wouldn't be cricket

OLD FOES: Kiwis will be hoping for a repeat of last month's thrilling win over the Aussies. PHOTO/FILE

Rotorua man Mark Rogers will be the envy of many, as he heads for the ICC Cricket World Cup final in Melbourne tomorrow.

Meanwhile, thousands more around the city will be settling in for a tense night in front of the TV.

The cricket fan said he did not need to think too long about attending the final, which will see the New Zealand Black Caps take on the Australians.

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"It was spur of the moment, and kind of last minute," he said. "I have kind of looked at it and decided that the Cricket World Cup being in the region again probably won't happen for quite some time since the last time it was here was 24 years ago.

"Who knows if New Zealand will ever even get in the final again - this World Cup being the first time they have ever made it, so they are looking good."

Mr Rogers, who is currently based in Hamilton, has been enjoying the tournament.

"I have also been to quite a few of the games - I went to the New Zealand Australia game and went to New Zealand versus Bangladesh. I went to the quarter-final down in Wellington and I was at the semi just up in Auckland on Tuesday. So I thought it would be rude not to [go] since I went to all the other ones as well."

Mr Rogers said he was not completely certain the Black Caps would take home the cup.

"I've got mixed emotions - I can't tell you my confidence is running high. I know a few other people who are going as well so I think there will be quite a lot of support for New Zealand there. I am quite a vocal supporter.

"I'll be wearing the team shirt, I've got one of the World Cup ones. I hope the dream stays alive."

Those who were not fortunate enough to score tickets to the final can tune in to Sky Sports or Prime from 4.15pm tomorrow.

Ruck 'n Maul owner Ramona Mitchell said the pub was excited about the final.

"There's a lot of things happening so we are hoping that will bring the crowd in for the cricket and for the Warriors.

"We have a free sausage sizzle, we have giveaways for the cricket and we've got a couple of three-litre Karlsbergs, and some T-shirts, some hats, and a few Woodstock T-shirts and some hats to give away."