While the Rugby World Cup has captured New Zealand at present – preparations are happening to ensure a successful Fergus Hickey campaign by the Bay of Plenty Men's Representative cricket team.

James Pamment, one of the country's top coaches, is reappointed as the Bay of Plenty Representative coach for the fourth successive season.

Considerable success has been achieved since James took charge of the Bay team in October 2008.

Back-to-back Fergus Hickey Rosebowls, which are the symbol of ND Representative superiority, along with the Brian Dunning Trophy (ND one-day championship) came in his first two seasons in charge.

The biggest impact that Pamment made since his mentoring of the Bay side, is assisting with the development of the Bay of Plenty Black Cap trio of Daniel Flynn, Trent Boult and Kane Williamson.

All three played for the Bay (when available) under James' reign in charge.

Known as one of the best cricket coaching brains in the country, James, who is employed as the ND high performance manager, is currently assisting with the early season preparation of the Black Caps.

In a new initiative, Bay of Plenty Cricket has appointed an assistant coach to the senior team, for the first time for a number of years.

Ben Williams, who has just returned to New Zealand from another term as player/coach of the VOC Club in Holland, will provide valuable assistance to the team head coach. .

The head coach and his assistant will need little introduction, with Williams having been an integral member of the Bay team up until last season.

Ben shares a unique playing record as just the second Bay of Plenty player, to score and century and take six wickets in an innings in a representative match.

BOP Fergus Hickey Draw

November 13/15 – ND One-Day Tournament at Owen Delaney Park, Taupo

Day One – v Hamilton

Day Two – v Counties Manukau

Day Three – v Northland

November 26/27 – v Northland @ Cobham Oval Whangarei (two-day match)

December10/11 – v Counties Manukau @ Weymouth Oval, Manurewa (two-day match)

January 15 – v Poverty Bay @ Harry Barker Reserve, Gisborne (one-day match)

February 5 – v Waikato Valley @ BOP Cricket Oval, Mount Maunganui (one-day match)

February 25/26 – Poverty Bay @ BOP Cricket Oval (one-day match)

March 3/ 4 v Hamilton @ BOP Cricket Oval (two-day match)