Baywide cricket positive about Geyser City

Geyser City cricketers.

When Geyser City Cricket Club began in Rotorua back in 1991, the goal was to create an environment and a pathway for school leavers to be able to play Baywide Premier cricket.

Thanks to the efforts of club stalwarts like Kane Vanner and Karl McKnight, that dream became a reality at the start of this season with Geyser City joining the Baywide Premier competition.

So far, the step-up has been as tough as was expected with plenty of competitive cricket played but so far that first win remains elusive.

Bay of Plenty Cricket Development Manager Scott Steward says there have been only positive reactions from all the teams that have played Geyser City so far this summer.

'The feedback we have had from all the other clubs has been really, really positive. They have all been really supportive.

'A big part of why we gave them this opportunity was because of all the good work they had done in the junior grades, not just about being a Premier team.

'One of the concerns we had was are they going to be adding any value to the competition. Being competitive is obviously important in that aspect but we know from other clubs that have come into the grade that it does take quite a long time to figure it out and realise where you need to be.

'It's quite a big step-up from those other grades but Geyser are certainly competitive. They just don't have the depth of the other clubs and are reliant on one or two players at this stage. I am hoping they can turn someone over by the end of the season.

'It took Taupo more than two seasons to get their first win when they came into the competition and they beat (Otumoetai) Cadets on the weekend.”

Geyser entering the competition this summer has removed the dreaded bye which means more cricket for club players.

The various Baywide formats and competitions have been streamlined this summer with clubs and Bay of Plenty Cricket working closely together to improve the competition structure.

'I think it has been going well. We have made some changes based on some feedback we got from all the players and the clubs. In the past we have had T20 sporadically fitted into the schedule around the other competitions,” says Scott.

'This year T20 stands alone on its own block which is going to be completed by the end of this week. We have a midweek game this today, with finals day to be played at Bay Oval on Sunday with the final under lights.

'We have brought in a plate competition for the Bay Cup for the top four teams that didn't qualify which has been well received as well.

'The Williams Cup is the one everyone wants to win and will finish the season.”

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