Sideline Sid Sports correspondant & historian www.sunlive.co.nz

Sidline Sid's definition of an optimist is someone who buys (in advance) a ticket to the fifth day of a Black Cap's test match.

However, Daniel Vettori and his troops showed real resolve in the second test against Pakistan at the Basin Reserve.

Few test matches go into the fifth day with three scenarios still alive. Both sides had a realistic chance of victory with the resulting draw also in the mix.

The first one-dayer at the Cake Tin on Saturday showed what the Black Caps can do. A determined bowling effort led by Tim Southee, who wasn't scared to give the Pakistan batsmen plenty of verbal advise along with a bouncer or three – was backed up by confident stroke making by the New Zealand top order.

Sidline Sid says bring on the Cricket World Cup, and GO THE BLACK CAPS.

Back on the local cricket scene, there has been plenty of action and high drama. Last weekend's Williams Cup semi-finals were blighted by wet weather with the calculator and rulebook having to be used to decide one of the results.

Down at Tauranga Boys' College, the home team didn't have too much trouble with East Bay United, with the match over before rain caused any real interruptions.

However, the match-up at Blake Park between defending Williams Cup titleholders Otumoetai Cadets and top qualifier Mount Maunganui was eventually decided off the field of play.

There was plenty at stake with not only a Baywide finals berth at stake, but also bragging rights in one of the fiercest rivalries in Bay of Plenty club cricket.

While the two sides always enjoy an ale after the contest, there is no love lost, or concessions given on the paddock.

Led by Benny Christensen, who opened the Cadets innings and blasted a run a ball century, the team from the northern side of the bridge posted 264.

Mount Maunganui weren't fazed by the large total and with the light rain accompanying the Mount batsmen out to the middle – the game was well and truly on.

When rain finally halted play at the end of the 40th over of the Mount innings, the calculators and rulebook came into play.

Unbelievably the adjusted Mount total saw a draw declared with the Mount progressing to the Williams Cup Final against Tauranga Boys' College as they had lost three less wickets.

In the Western Bay Reserve Grade, another vital match concluded in what could only be called persistent drizzle. The postponed Reserve Grade first round title match was played in worst conditions than the original rained off encounter.

Batting first Greerton posted a relatively modest 149, against Mount Green on the second grass wicket at Blake Park. However, a sodden outfield and line and length bowling resulted in the home side being dismissed 20 runs short of their target.

The Greerton triumph was well received by the local cricket community, as championship trophies have been few and far between in the Greerton Trophy cabinet in recent years.

The icing on the cake for Greerton came with the news that the club's B Grade team had chased down 248 to defeat Grasshoppers, who are the current Western BOP B Grade champions.

Seeya at the Game.