One of the real success stories of Bay of Plenty Cricket in the past decade, has been the introduction and continued participation of Year 5 and 6 school pupils, in the Bay of Plenty Cricket Mini World Cup

The Mini World Cup was initiated by Bay of Plenty Cricket eight years ago, to introduce young school pupils, to the enjoyment of the game.

To give the competition a real flavour of international cricket, all school teams represent a cricket-playing nation

The success of the competition is the blending of girls and boys, who had previously experienced the game, with novice participants.

The purpose of the Mini World Cup is to follow on from the NZ Cricket 'Have a Go” and 'Kids in Cricket” programs.

The Bay of Plenty Mini World Cup hits the road next week with the Eastern Bay of Plenty schools in action at Rex Morepeth Park in Whakatane, on Tuesday.

Sixteen teams have entered the Western Bay Mini World Cup on Wednesday, which always produces an action packed day, before the regional Mini World Cup winner is crowned.

Last year small Mount Maunganui school St Thomas More, playing under the banner of Ireland, defeated India aka Tauranga Primary in the title decider.

The Mini World Cup action switches to the Sulphur City on Thursday, when the Rotorua schools will battle to find their regional champions at Boord Park. Taupo will host the final regional tournament.

On the last day in November (30 November) the top two teams from the four regions, will come together at Boord Park in Rotorua, to battle out the Baywide Mini World Cup championship.

While in the past Western Bay teams have ruled supreme in the Baywide Final - indications are that there supremacy will be under threat this year.

Bay of Plenty Cricket Mini World Cup 2012

13 November – Eastern BOP @ Rex Morepeth Park

14 November – Western BOP @ Blake Park

15 November – Rotorua @ Boord Park

19 November – Taupo

30 November – BOP Mini World Cup Final @ Boord Park