Cricket: Growing rivals square off

The reserve grade T20 cricket final will be the last big game played in Rotorua before stumps are lifted for Christmas.

There is a lot riding on tomorrow's showdown between rivals Geyser and Central at Boord Park, as both sides pursue a competition title.

Trophies for either side have been lacking in recent seasons and a win on Saturday would be a great cause for celebration.

Central Cricket Club captain Rees Uerata said during the past few years a good rivalry had picked up between the sides.

He said the rivalry was mainly based on players switching between the clubs, which had picked up in recent seasons.

"It has definitely put a bit of fire in the boys with mate versus mate and grudge versus grudge," he said. "So hopefully the weather holds out for us to play some cricket."

He said as long as the sledging didn't get too personal it should be a great contest.

"The focus for the guys is just enjoy themselves and enjoy the occasion and I think if we are enjoying ourselves the result will speak for itself."

Last week at Boord Park saw both teams winning their first two games against Indians and Taupo-based Wanderers.

The four-team competition will finish tomorrow with the last round of pool play at 12.30pm followed by the final in the afternoon. Geyser Cricket Club captain Karl McKnight said it was good to see they had tidied up in the field last week, picking up two wins to put them into the final. "We have been pretty poor in the field until last week, our hands were much better."

He said they had more youth in the side, which might help them reproduce a similar performance in the field this weekend.

McKnight said it would be a great cause for celebration if the club could win the final tomorrow, jokingly comparing the side's history of second places to that of a perennial bridesmaid.

Rotorua T20 Draw Saturday December 22:

12.30pm, Indians CC v Wanderers CC, Boord Park 1

12.30pm, Central CC v Geyser CC, Boord Park 3