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.
