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Sideline Sid Sports correspondant & historian www.sunlive.co.nz |
Last weekend Sideline Sid and Mrs Sid decided to go for a wander in downtown Tauranga to have a gander at the ice skating rink that has been put in place for summer.
While more in the order of recreation than serious sport, the ice rink was attracting a good-sized crowd on what was a quite Saturday morning in Tauranga. There were plenty of family groups on the ice, with abilities ranging from nervous first timers to those who had obviously been using the temporary facility over the summer.
The best part was watching the squeals of delight of the youngsters, as they attempted to stay upright and traverse the corners without hitting the deck.
Sideline Sid believes that private enterprise sporting and recreation facilities such as the ice rink can successfully complement the Council owned parks and indoor facilities.
The best part is that they cost the ratepayer very little and the enthususiam and entrepreneurial skills of the operators ensure vibrancy and customer satisfaction. If it doesn't work they lose money and quickly disappear.
The coming long weekend brings a feast of cricket to followers of the sport in the Bay.
Taking centre stage in Hamilton is the Hawke Cup Direct Challenge between Bay of Plenty and current holders Hamilton.
In what will be the Bay of Plenty's 22nd Direct Challenge since 1932, the Bay boys will be aiming to win the prestigious NZ Cricket Minor Association prize, for just the fourth time.
On Saturday the Williams Cup Baywide competition returns for the third round - with last weekend's results splitting the title chase wide open.
Te Puke dealt to defending champions Greerton, with the Mount roaring back to life after being beaten by Greerton the previous weekend.
Te Puke and Cadets now sit astride the point's standings. This Saturday's big match- ups, see a Bay of Plenty inter-city clash when Rotorua Central visit Blake Park to meet Mount Maunganui and Cadets playing East Bay United at the Tauranga Domain.
Two other Bay representative sides are in action over the Auckland Anniversary holiday weekend. The Bay Women's side will also be in Hamilton, where they have games against Hamilton and Waikato Valley on their agenda. While the Bay Women's side often go under the radar the team has provided a solid step in the pathway of the Bay's first White Fern.
Anna Peterson, who made her New Zeland debut against England last season, gained national honours from her origins in the Western Bay.
She was selected for the Northern Spirit while still at Aquinas College a few years ago and has continued her rise, by way of outstanding performances for the Spirit and New Zealand Emerging Players.
Another Bay of Plenty side that has become a springboard to higher honours is the Bay of Plenty Development team. Local cricket fans will have the opportunity to watch the rising Bay stars at the Tauranga Domain on Sunday and Monday, when they take on their Northland and Counties Manukau counterparts.
Seeya at the Tauranga Domain over the weekend.