The biggest prize in Bay of Plenty Cricket will be on the line, when the 2015 edition of the Williams Cup bowls into action this Saturday.

In the 1932/33 season (Rotorua) City Cricket Club, became the first name engraved on the trophy, which has since become the symbol of Baywide Premier cricket supremacy.

Te Puke has won the Williams Cup on 15 occasions, while Otumoetai Cadets have annexed the Baywide big prize nine times since the 1994/95 season.

However in the last decade, the time honoured Baywide trophy has been shared around six clubs, since Cadets won back to back titles in 2004 and 2005.

Last year City Sports Bar Te Puke strolled home against Eves Realty Greerton in what turned out to be a lopsided Williams Cup Final. Batting first Te Puke were removed for 244 and then bowled Greerton out for just 109, to claim the 2014 Williams Cup.

Defending Williams Cup champions Te Puke, finished a creditable fourth in the Baywide Cup, with the defence of the big prize always heading the Te Puke first XI agenda.

On Saturday they meet Whakatane United in the Eastern Bay, with the Whakatane team usually providing a big challenge at home.

Entering this weekend's Williams Cup start, Greerton are entitled to wear the nominal favourites tag after annexing the pre-holiday season Baywide Cup when they beat Mount Maunganui in the final.

On Saturday the Pemberton Park based side travel to play BOP Indians at Smallbone Park in Rotorua.

The Carrus Mount Maunganui verses Rotorua Central encounter, has been relocated from Boord Park in the Sulphur City to Blake Park, because of the National Rugby 7's utilising some of Boord Park in Rotorua.

The Western Bay match-up will renew the rivalry, between the sides from the two Bay of Plenty cities, with regional pride and bragging rights always on the line.

Element IMF Cadets, who are chasing their tenth Williams Cup title, meet Tauranga Boys College at Boys College headquarters at Nicholson Field.

The Tauranga secondary school cricket pathway, has produced a myriad of talented players including current Black Cap star Kane Williamson.

There is always plenty of chatter on and off the field when the two sides meet with Cadets having plenty of former Tauranga Boys students in their ranks.

BOPCA Williams Cup Draw – January 17

Whakatane United v City Sports Bar Te Puke, Rex Morepeth Park.

BOP Indians v Eves Realty Greerton, Smallbone Park.

Carrus Mount Maunganui v Central, Blake1.

Tauranga Boys College v Element IMF Cadets, Nicholson Field.

Williams Cup Champions (2000 – 2014)

2014 (Te Puke) 2013 (Mount Maunganui) 2012 (Greerton) 2011 (Mount Maunganui) 2010 (Cadets) 2009 (Tauranga Boys College) 2008 (Mount Maunganui) 2007 (Rotorua Central) 2006 (Cadets) 2005 (Cadets) 2004 (Te Puke) 2003 (Cadets) 2002 (Albion) 2001 (Te Puke) 2000 (AC United)