Report: 1st XI Cricket exchange with New Plymouth Boys’ High School

On Sunday 19 February, the 1st XI Cricket team welcomed New Plymouth Boys’ High School for the first day of the traditional three-day fixture. Winning the toss and electing to bowl, the bowling unit applied pressure which led to a fall of wickets, dismissing the guests for 101. In response, the team ended Day 1 at 81/2.

Day 2 of the traditional fixture against New Plymouth Boys’ High School saw Form 6 student H. D. J. Sixton captain T. C. Jones return to the crease with an opportunity to build on the platform established on the day before.

Jones led from the front to reach his maiden century for the 1st XI and reach 143 before being dismissed. Form 6 student A. Weerasinghe was 78 not out and a late cameo from Form 7 student C. J. O’Shanassy saw the team declared 200 ahead.

In response and behind some inspired spin bowling from Form 5 student H. D. F. Waite’s 4 for 33, the team ended the days play with New Plymouth six wickets down.

With plenty of Cricket left to play, the team went into the final day of play, focussing on taking the remaining four wickets, while New Plymouth Boys will do all they can to stay at the crease.

At the start of the final day the 1st XI team had a simple task at hand – take four wickets to secure an outright win in the traditional fixture against New Plymouth Boys’ High School.

With a positive mindset and the team energised from the School’s support, and dominated from the outset.

Strategically opening the day with spin at both ends and supported by a tight field, the duo of Jones and Waite took the required wickets to seal the fixture before the lunch break.

Congratulations to H. D. F. Waite, whose six wickets in the second innings was an honours board performance, and captain T. C. Jones also produced an Honours Board performance with the bat in the first innings.

Special thanks to manager D. Mackay and Master in Charge J. O’Neill-Fuller for their guidance and support of the team.