In an outstanding bowling and fielding performance, King’s limited Auckland Grammar School to a modest total of 131 all out. When up to bat, King’s reached the small total with some comfort, easing to 132 for 4.
“Captain Thorn Parkes (Year 13, School) and Fraser Hardy (Year 13, Selwyn) shared a 50-run partnership to see the team home to a 6-wicket victory,” says Head of Sports Jim Potts. “This capped an unbeaten Term 1 campaign.”
The team have now qualified for the Gillette Cup Nationals to be held in December this year, making this the first time the team have qualified since 2014.
Match report from First XI Cricket Manager Mahendra Naidoo
Thorn Parkes played a major hand in leading his team to success. He arrived at the crease with the score on 24/2 after Thomas Simmonds (Year 13, Major) dismissal for 13. After the loss of Dimithri Gallage (Year 11, Peart), he shepherded a determined Fraser Hardy (Year 13, Selwyn) (29 not out) to the target of 132 in the 38th over.
King's won by a comprehensive 6-wicket margin but the game was a lot tighter than the score line suggests. Nathan Robinson (Year 11, Greenbank) (20 off 38), gave a superb performance with a solid knock that took the team to 62/3.
Earlier, the bowlers, especially the spinners were in total control. Auckland Grammar School were bowled out for a mediocre 131 in the 45th over. Hugo Hill (Year 12, Major) was at his best in claiming 3 wickets from 9 overs. Cory Dickson (Year 11, Averill) was beguiling at the other end. The openers, Hayden Dickson (Year 11, Averill) and Muhammad Abbas (Year 10, Marsden) started off magnificently and received great support from the field, especially Thorn Parkes who ended up claiming 4 stunning catches.
Hari Kukreja (Year 13, Selwyn) also chipped in with 2 wickets. Thomas Simmonds played a significant hand with the ball and this aspect of his game has grown remarkably. The keeper, William Paranthoiene (Year 13, Marsden) was in blistering form behind the wickets, assisting in two dismissals.
The coach and players appreciate the support from staff and students throughout the day. This meant a lot to us!
The winning team with their medals and the R.H. Marryatt Cup
