Last Friday the King’s Year 9A side took on Otago Boys’ High School Y9A at University Oval No.1 in the Final of the Otago / Southland NZCT Cup Regional Final to see who would represent the region at the NZCT Cup Finals next March in Palmerston North.

King’s High School won the toss and elected to bat. King’s made 151 with Captain Beckham Wheeler-Greenall holding the innings together scoring 40 off 45 balls. The King’s lower order played well with James Nicholson and Caleb Ralston putting a vital partnership together. OBHS player Michael Ruske bowled extremely well taking 5-19.

In reply, Otago Boy’s High School were bowled out for 144 in an extremely exciting and tense finish. The wickets were shared around with the seam attack of Jacob Gilbert (3-18), Beckham Wheeler-Greenall (2-21) and Ryan Watterston (2-24) getting the job done for King’s. Ruske featured again scoring a quick 24 off 35 balls.

With such a disruptive few weeks of poor weather and a lack of match practice, the new indoor Cricket Performance Centre can be credited with allowing us to prepare thoroughly for the final. The Centre, which opened in Term 1, has allowed for no missed or cancelled practices and this has certainly improved the boys’ cricket, skills and discipline as they have been allowed to train regularly as planned.

A big thank you to the ground staff at the University Oval and OCA for allowing the two teams to play the final on University Oval No.1. It was a great occasion and a very good game of Cricket.