Old Boys Cricket Match vs OBHS 1st XI

This year’s Old Boy’s side was again captained by former Otago Cricket captain Robert Lawson. With the customary tradition of the Old Boys always batting first enforced the Old Boys opened proceedings with two former Head Boys, Rhys Bayly (2013) and Max Chu (2017). With the early loss of Bayly, Chu was joined by his former deputy Hunter Kindley and together they laid the platform for the innings. However the quick loss of Kindley (48) and Chu (68) required Old Boys skipper Lawson to steady the ship as he chipped in with a classy 42. The lower order held up an end as the Old Boys navigated the final overs to set what was thought an above par score of 210 in their allotted 40 overs. Credit must go to the 1st XI who never stopped fighting in the heat but in the end they were left to rue some catches going to ground, that if taken, would have restricted the total even further.

During the innings break, both teams retired to the Shand building for a sit-down luncheon where players from both teams were able to interact within an informal atmosphere. Rob Lawson spoke briefly on behalf of the Old Boys and passed on some sage advice to the current crop of budding crickets that are coming through the Otago Boys’ Cricket system. The Rector Richard Hall also had a brief word on the significance of this traditionally 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 Old Boys immediately away to a good start with the prize scalp of the promising up-incoming batsman Xavier Chisholm dismissed without scoring. The 1st XI then consolidated their chase and it was a case of lots of starts with no one going on to make a big score. Jacob Cumming (22), Cameron Elliott (29) and Max Meffan (24) were all contributors however scoreboard pressure was mounting and that allowed the Old Boys to take wickets at regular intervals. Eventually the experienced attack led by Jamie Murley and Gerard Finnie had the final say and the 1st XI were dismissed for 154 meaning the Old Boys won the match by 56 runs.

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. If any Old Boy would like to be involved in the fixture in any capacity for 2019 please don’t hesitate to contact Mr Gwyn Pratley on his school email address gwyn.pratley@obhs.school.nz for information.

Scorecard

Old Boys XI

M. Chu (2013-2017)                   caught Chisholm bowled Wilson 68
R. Bayly (2009-2013)                 caught Marsh bowled Ruske 2
H. Kindley (2013-2017)            caught Ruske bowled Miller 48
M. Williams (2010-2014)         bowled Miller 1
R. Finch (1993-1997)                 caught Cumming bowled Meffan 5
R. Lawson (1988-1992) (c)      bowled Ruske 42
B. Hunt (1990-1995)                  caught sub bowled Meffan 0
G. Finnie (1981-1985)               bowled Meffan 4
M. Smith (1995-1999)               caught Marsh bowled Ruske 10
J. Murley (2012-2016                not out 3
D.Su’a (2012-2016)                    not out 9

Extras 18

Total 210

O.B.H.S 1st XI

X. Chisholm               caught Hunt bowled Su’a 0
J. Cumming               caught Chu bowled Hunt 22
C. Elliott (c)               caught Kindley bowled Hunt 29
M. Meffan                 caught Lawson bowled Finnie 24
C. Marsh                    caught Williams bowled Smith 13
S. Kyle                          bowled Finnie 18
R. Bowman                caught & bowled Finnie 5
S. Miller                       caught Kindley bowled Finch 9
A. Wilson                    caught Bayly bowled Wilson 0
M. Ruske                    caught Lawson bowled Murley 11
M. Sims                       not out 5

Extras 18

Total 154

Result: Old Boys won by 65 runs

Man of the Match: Max Chu