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

While we can all read about a close game and surmise what happened – getting up close and personal at a cliffhanger gives a totally different perspective to a close run encounter.

On Saturday, Sidline Sid was on the sideline at Pemberton Park, where the Greerton cricket club premier side, faced Tauranga Boys' College in a BOP Cup match.

While the cricket season started back in early October, the weekend BOP Cup games were the first on grass with the first four rounds being played on artificial surfaces.

First inspection revealed a juicy wicket that suggested a good day at the office for bowlers, however, no-one was prepared for what happened in the next few hours.

From the opening ball of the Tauranga Boys' innings, the red ball seamed all over the place.

The home side was feeling pretty pleased with their efforts with Tauranga Boys' dismissed for just 123.

Boys' College batsman Cameron Neil adapted well to the seaming ball and was rewarded with his side's top score of 52.

However, the Boys' College bowlers also took charge with Greerton losing regular wickets as they chased what should have been a modest target.

When Greerton batting mainstays Brett Hampton (30) and Ben Williams (20) were dismissed, the home side was in real trouble with just the tailenders to come to the crease.

While just 20-odd runs were needed for a Greerton victory, the sight of the team's bowlers striding to the crease caused a fair bit of anxiety.

Everyone handles tension in different ways with some of the team choosing to go for short walks and others to quietly reflect on the fortunes of the game.

Slowly the runs came, but just when relief appeared in sight, the Tauranga bowlers would strike back.

With the last two Greerton batsmen at the crease and two runs required for victory, the tension in and outside the home team's dressing room was almost unbearable.

Former Tauranga Boys' player Campbell Thomas was the last man in for Greerton. He hit a single off the last ball of the over to tie the score.

Then ,facing Tom Clout, who had already taken four Greerton wickets, Campbell calmly played a French cut, being an inside edge down to fine leg, to win the game for his side.

When the win came the contrasting fortunes of both teams were on display for all to see.

The joy and relief displayed by the Greerton side was countered by the abject disappointment of Tauranga Boys' failing to grab a last wicket that would have given them victory.

Another weekend match that went down to the wire took place at the Te Puke Domain between Te Puke and Rotorua Central.

In spite of a hat trick from Bay rep bowler Andrew Gibbs, Te Puke chased down 211, albeit also with their last two batsmen at the crease.

The match showed just how much the ascendancy in a match can change in a flash. From a comfortable position of 186/6, Te Puke was in trouble after the Gibb's hat trick, requiring 25 runs with their last two batsmen at the crease.

At the halfway stage of the BOP Cup, Western Bay teams are in control with Cadets, Tauranga Boys' College and Mount Maunganui holding down the first three standings, and Greerton lurking just behind in fifth place.

Seeya at the Game