The Eastern Bay of Plenty Cricket Club has finished another standout season, marked by growth, development, and on-field performances.

Now in its second year, the club’s junior programme has expanded from 10 teams to 14, reflecting a continued growth in interest amongst primary school and intermediate age tamariki.

The club said the investment in junior cricket had paid off.

Having Eastern Bay children play cricket in the region and not have to travel to Tauranga and Rotorua was always the goal. Schools and community had bought in, which was reflected in the growth. The decision to move the junior programme to Rex Morpeth Park was another success, with one memorable weekend seeing seven matches played across the park in a day.

In total, the club fielded 19 teams this season, four more than last year.

Senior captain Hamish Wilde again led the senior programme and the club continued being dominant in the Lakelands competition, reaching the semifinals of both the T20 and one-day competitions, showcasing consistency and competitiveness throughout the summer.

While finals success proved just out of reach for the seniors, the season will be go down as another of progress and promise. Wilde said after a big change in personnel from last season, it was great to have Aidan Hogg, still at high school, stand up and grow into his game alongside a few younger high schoolers who filled gaps throughout the season when needed. “Making both semifinals is a great achievement, but obviously, after last season’s achievements, we’ve been left wanting more, and we’re excited to go again next season.”

Winners at the clubs awards evening were Alex Yates, who turned back the clock with two centuries, including a massive 140 to be celebrated as the batter of the season, and club president Sathish Umaiyar, the bowler of the season