On Tuesday, 1 February 2022 the Otago Boys’ High School 1st XI played their first traditional fixture of the year against an invitational Old Boy’s XI in a 40 Over match on Littlebourne.

This year’s Old Boy’s side was again captained by the President of the OBHS Old Boys’ Society Gerard Finnie (1981-85). With the customary tradition of the Old Boys always batting first enforced the Old Boys opened proceedings with Hunter Kindley (2013-17) and current ICC international umpire Chris Gaffaney (1991-93). 

The opening pair showed immediate momentum with early boundaries, however the partnership was ended at 22 with the dismissal of Gaffaney. This bought Mark Billicliff (1990-94) to the crease to partner Kindley as the pair put on 54 runs for the second wicket. At 76-2 the Old Boys were tracking well and were looking like they were laying the foundation for a competitive score. Kindley was then joined by the in form Dunedin club cricketer Jack Pryde (2013-17). Together the pair wound-back the clock as they again partnered together on Littlebourne for an excellent partnership of 86. With Kindley bringing up his half century and Pryde dispatching the ball to all parts of the ground the Old Boys were well on top. Both batsmen were dismissed with the team total on 162, Kindley (69) and Pryde (45).

From that point on the Old Boys just needed to keep the run-rate ticking over, and do that they did, with valuable run-a-ball contributions from Cameron Elliott (2016-20) 23, Rhiane Smith (1989-92) 12, Adam Fairmaid (1979-83) 18, Sheadon Miller (2016-20) 20* and Ollie Mckewen (2017-21) 14*. With the 40 overs batted out the Old Boys had set a very competitive total of 256.

During the innings break both teams retired to the shade of the outside marquee for a light luncheon where players from both teams were able to interact within an informal atmosphere. The captains spoke briefly on the significance of this traditional fixture at Otago Boys’ High School and the value of the interactions and connections that are fostered between students both past and present on days like these.

After the interval it was back to the job at hand with the 1st XI having a big chase on their hands. The young side showed plenty of purpose and endeavour in tackling their target, however wickets fell at regular intervals as the Old Boys attack chipped away in the heat of the day.

With Zac Cumming 32, Thomas O’Connor 23, Daniel Lawrence 18 and Oliver Thode 16 all getting starts, no one really went on to get the big score that was needed. Slowly the required run rate crept up and eventually got on top of the young side. The 2022 OBHS 1st XI was bowled out for 144 in the 34th Over. This resulted in a 112 run win to the Old Boys, who in winning the match kept their winning streak in recent years intact.

In summary, it was a brilliant day for all involved and special thanks must go out to the Old Boys who gave their time and support to the day so generously both on and off the playing field. 

A huge thank you also to our umpires again this year, Mr Ken Rust and Mr Wayne Mason as well as our scorer Mrs Fiona Kyle. If any Old Boy would like to be involved in the fixture in any capacity for 2023 please don’t hesitate to contact Mr Gwyn Pratley on his school email address gwyn.pratley@obhs.school.nz for more information about the day.

Old Boys Cricket Team 2022

1. Hunter Kindley 2013-17

2. Chris Gaffaney 1991-93

3. Mark Billicliff 1990-94

4. Jack Pryde 2013-17

5. Cameron Elliott 2016-20

6. Rhiane Smith 1989-92

7. Shaedon Miller 2016-20

8. Brendon Hunt 1990-94

9. Gerard Finnie 1981-85

10. Ollie McKewen 2017-21

11. Adam Fairmaid 1979-83