For the last three years, we have been lucky to have the services of twin brothers and former Blackcaps James (Selwyn, 1996-97) and Hamish Marshall (Selwyn, 1996-97) leading the Old Collegians team. Last year our King’s Cricket Committee kindly donated a cup named the Marshall Cup to signify their contribution and look forward to seeing this game grow for many years to come.
For the first time, we also were lucky to host a father vs son’s match as the curtain raiser to the Old Collegians game as a number of parents, themselves Old Collegians had a chance to get one up on their sons who play predominantly in our Colts side and all players had a wonderful afternoon. Some Dads had never played before but a few old hands managed to keep the game competitive. The Boys batted first amassing 140 in their 20 overs with Jonty Willis (Year 10, Selwyn) scoring with the bat and retiring, so all boys got to face their fathers bowling. Most boys chipped but more often than not, the deceptively slow pace of their fathers, saw a swing and miss and a big grin following.
The 2nd innings saw some Dads bat for the first time and a long queue asking for the Nos 11 spot. Matt Willis (Averill, 1987-91) kept the runs ticking over before a few lusty blows from Phil Lindberg (Marsden, 1980-84) and Andy Tapper (St John's, 1983-87) saw the chase become very competitive. Plenty of unorthodox shots followed from Mike Heron who got us needing 4 in the last over. A superb cover drive from Jon Denny with a few balls to spare, gave the Dads bragging rights, probably for life.
A great game which hopefully can be repeated in the future for the Colts boys when the Old Boys game is played.
On to the main course and with James Marshall absent his brother Hamish was able to put together a strong team to play our 1st XI this year.
Our 1st XI batted first and Nathan Robinson (Year 12, Greenbank) (26 off 23 balls) got the boys off to a fast start, however a constant stream of wickets meant runs were hard to come by. A late partnership between Jeet Bhatia (Year 12, School) (24 off 31) and Patrick Maher (Year 11, School) (35 off 23) meant the boys were able to post a competitive total of 124-7 off 20 overs.
In reply, the Old Collegian team were slow to get going scoring 37 off the first 8 overs with some tight bowling from the 1st XI. Pick of the bowlers was Hugo Hill (Year 13, Major) who picked up prized scalps of Jonny Bassett Graham (Marsden, 2006-07) and James Marshall, which meant they were always behind the scoring rate, however some late hitting heroics from Mark Chapman-Smith (Averill, 1988-92) (33 off 26 balls) and Tom Davison (Marsden, 1999-03) (20 off 17 balls) meant the Old Collegians needed 20 off the last over and unfortunately fell 7 runs short of what would have been a great comeback.
A win for our 1st XI by 7 runs.
Batting Performances
1st XI Patrick Maher 35. Old Collegian Mark Chapman Smith 33.
Bowling Performances
1st XI Hugo Hill 2-12 off 2 overs Old Collegians Mark Chapman-Smith 2-13 off 3 and Justin Davison 2-14 off 3 overs.
