Sideline Sid - Sports blogger Sideline Sid is a local sport fanatic. Not only is he a classic rugby bloke but he has views, opinions and knowledge on all sports played in the Bay of Plenty.

Twenty20 cricket is certainly here to stay as a spectator sport in the Western Bay of Plenty judging by the crowds that have flocked to the Bay of Plenty Cricket Oval at Blake Park in early January 2010.
Last Friday afternoon another large crowd arrived to watch Northern Knights take apart the Wellington Firebirds.

While the crowds come to watch the ball get smashed over the boundary, tactics play as much a part as other forms of the game.
The tight containing bowling from Black Caps Tim Southee and Daniel Vettori, played a large part in the team from the capital, being bowled out for just 119. While the Knights' win was pretty much a walk in the park – they built their innings before lashing out.
On the way home, I reflected on why the smash and bash game has taken the country by storm this season. Last year we had the State Twenty20, which didn't grab hold of the public like this year.
My view is that last year's Twenty20 was buried away in all the other various State sponsored forms of the game. Another major factor has been the stand-alone window where all the Black Caps have been available to play.
We have had a myriad of the best in the country, at the three Twenty20 games at the Oval. With the Oval set in the heart of ND territory, the likes of Daniel Vettori and BJ Watling have thrilled the loyal Knights fans.
However, I believe that what has set the HRV Cup alight is the marketing of the month long tournament. The sponsoring company has really bought in to the concept with real enthusiasm.
Any true partnership must have benefits for both parties. NZ Cricket has played their part with some innovative marketing, especially with the TV ads and posters. Their masterstroke was the stand alone window with all the Black Caps on show. Last year the Twenty20 showcase was fighting with the other versions of the game for attention.
The introduction of imports has also played a big part in cricket regaining the summer spotlight. While Sri Lankan star Tillakaratne Dilshan didn't post many runs on Friday, he was the magnet that drew plenty of early spectators to see him arrive at the ground by helicopter.
HRV has also played their part in this year's success, with plenty of giveaways at the gate for the hundreds of kids that have flocked to the grounds. The substantial promotion of the games has also assisted in making sure that large crowds are on hand to watch the frenetic action.
In the local cricket scene the showcase event of the season had reached the semi-finals. The Williams Cup, which dates back eight decades, is the prize on offer in the Baywide championship.
Three Western Bay sides will contest the Williams Cup post section play this weekend. Taking centrestage is the match-up between defending champions Tauranga Boys' College, and Baywide heavyweights Otumoetai Cadets.
They will meet at the picturesque Nicholson field at Boys' College on Saturday afternoon for the right to meet the winner of the Eastern Pirates verses Mount Maunganui encounter in the Williams Cup final.

Seeya at the Game.