St Bede's vs St Andrew's

A fine day was upon us as we assembled at the Valley of Peace cricket club to partake in the St Bede's v St Andrew's fixture, a 40 over affair. As Captain for the day I was pleased to observe our team looking in relatively good condition and after some meet and greet amongst all it was time to get down to business.

Match referee and Auckland Grammar old boy Grahame Thorne presided over the toss which was won by St Andrew's and they elected to bat first. St Bede's team manager David Eathorne had a few words of wisdom then we took the field. Jordan Bakermans and Brad Reid set the standard with the new ball, both working up some good pace to keep the batsmen on their toes.

Daniel Hooper wound back the clock down wind to keep the pressure on as Mark Murphy bowled his fine off spin at the other end. Tim Frickleton, Charlie Due and Chris Posa all chipped in with the ball and with the classy wicket keeping of Chris Boivin, St Andrew's were restricted to 169 from the allotted 40 overs. It was an impressive fielding display with everyone putting their bodies on the line.

Lunch was brief and we were soon at the crease, Charlie Due and myself, the run chase was on! Charlie took it straight to the St Andrew's attack playing some majestic shots as we set about laying the platform. As I departed with the score at 57, Kevin McMenamin strode to the crease and looked in great touch before misjudging one. The dangerous Jordan Bakermans was unlucky early but Due kept the score moving and was soon joined by the big hitting Brad Reid as the pair steered us home for a 5 wicket victory.

Due top scored with 67 and Reid ended up on 37, a fine display of stroke play from both. St Andrew's were gracious in defeat and were a great bunch of guys to have a beer with afterwards and share some old stories, many largely exaggerated of course.

As captain for the day I was extremely proud of the team as everyone stepped up when called upon and genuinely played for each other, the Bedean way. I’m already looking forward to this fixture next year. Our opposition Christ’s College.