Wednesday 18 February 2026
The First XI started their Premier Boys 50-over competition with a well-earned victory over Mount Albert Grammar School (MAGS) on Saturday 7 February. On what was perceived to be a tricky pitch, the home side won the toss and elected to bowl, enjoying early success as King’s lost two early wickets.
Jai Sohal (Year 13, Peart) and co-captain Aekkam Sarao (Year 13, Parnell) built a meaningful 46-run partnership but were unable to fully capitalise on their promising starts. MAGS then picked up a few quick wickets to reduce King’s to 126–7. However, a mature innings from Lucca Stredder (Year 13, Parnell) (80), who was well supported by Ollie Sinclair (Year 12, Greenbank) (21) and Tom McCulloch (Year 13, Greenbank) (14), helped post a competitive first-innings total of 242.
MAGS began their chase well as the King’s bowlers struggled to find their line and length early on. Just as the home side looked to accelerate the run rate, a fine spell of spin bowling from Malcolm Barrow (Year 13, School) (2-23) created some much-needed pressure, and wickets began to fall at regular intervals.
MAGS kept up with the required rate and needed 56 off the final 10 overs. Ed Mitchelson (Year 13, Marsden) (2-48) and Aekkam Sarao (2-45) bowled exceptionally well at the death, and MAGS were eventually bowled out in the penultimate over, 22 runs short.
Overall, it was an extremely encouraging performance against a MAGS side that will be very competitive in this year’s competition. Congratulations to Ed Mitchelson and Aekkam Sarao on being named First XI co-captains, and to Ollie Sinclair and Jack McCulloch on making their competition debuts.
Match Summary:
King’s First XI 243–10 (50 overs)
Lucca Stredder 80 (93), Jai Sohal 38 (58), Aekkam Sarao 34 (42)
MAGS 1st XI 221–10 (49 overs)
Malcolm Barrow 2–23 (10), Aekkam Sarao 2–45 (10), Ed Mitchelson 2–48 (9)
Result: King’s win by 22 runs