Over the past two months, the 1st XI have been building towards the Gillette Cup. This is only the third time the team has appeared at the Gillette Cup in the 29 years the competition has existed. Teams from each of the six Cricket Associations in NZ compete in this event.

Our programme has been hindered by the weather; we had organised fixtures against an Old Boys XI, Otago U17 & Otago U19, however, only the Old Boys game was able to be played so we arrived at Lincoln having not played on grass since March earlier this year. 

It was awesome to be joined by our Rector for the first two days of the tournament. We played on surfaces that we don't get here in Dunedin and it took time to adjust. During the week Jacob Murray, Jacob Gilbert and Xavier Wright were awarded their King's Cricket Baggie. 

At the crease Ethan Booth, Jacob Murray, Beckham Wheeler-Greenall and Nathan Hastie all posted useful scores but no one scored consistently during the week. Our bowling attack struggled with having not played on grass surfaces before the tournament, but Kasey Short, Kyle Hastie, Finn Ward, Nathan Hastie and Beckham Wheeler-Greenall toiled away without being dominant. However, our win against King's College from Auckland on the Thursday was a total team effort and very satisfying. It also earned us the right to be called the King's of NZ Cricket until we play them again. 

As if that competition wasn't enough, we then went on to play our annual fixture against to the Willows at Lowburn on the way home on the Sunday. It was great to once again bring home the ' Clive Geary Trophy' which we play for annually against the Willows. The Williows had first use of the wicket and posted 170 all out, the wickets were shared about amongst the players. When it came our turn to bat, Drew Kinney our keeper was given the privilege and opportunity to open the innings. Drew produced an innings of class to top score with 65, he was supported by Izaaka Parata 41 NO and Jacob Gilbert 28 NO. It's sad to farewell Kasey Short, Finn Ward, Tom Walding and Drew Kinney who have played their final game for the 1st XI but it was great to see a player like Michael Flanagan emerge from the week at Lincoln. 

The team was coached by Mr Simon Cushen who spends countless hours coaching and assisting the lads and is part of why we made it to Gillette. We were also lucky enough to have Mr Brad Scott as Assistant Coach whose vast knowledge of the game as a first class player was appreciated by the lads. 

Finally a massive thanks to our parents who made it to the tournament and/or supported us weekly in our local club competition.

Michael Reggett

Manager 1st XI