The crowd was on the edge of its seats but alas they were just short in what was an exciting and fun Cricket match on Sunday.

It came down to the wire…the Alumni team needed six from the final ball to draw the match. For the first time in recent years, the St Peter’s School 1st XI took honours in its annual cricket clash with the school alumni team.

The Alumni team, in its first official cricket kit, won the toss and sent the school into bat, with Xavier Bell continuing his strong form from the Gillette Cup qualifiers. Ryan Harvey was also hitting the ball nicely as the run rate threatened to get away from the Alumni. 

The dismissal of Ryan for 48 and the retirement of Xavier for 74 slowed the run rate somewhat, but not before Cam O’Leary made a quick fire 17 including a six that hit the roof of the pavilion breaking a tile. It was an incredible shot and no one in the crowd could remember anyone hitting the roof in the past few seasons.

The Alumni team also started well. Bevin Coley put in gritty running between the wickets, following his determined efforts as wicketkeeper. The introduction of Stuart Farquhar (Olympic javelin thrower and honours board cricket alumni) to the crease accelerated the run rate considerably. He hit the ball brilliantly in what was a brutal assault against the 1st XI attack. 

Just when it looked like he might see the Alumni home though, he was dismissed and any chance of the Alumni running down the 1st XI total was gone or so they thought. Some great hitting by St Peter’s teacher Carl Perry (called in at the last minute for the Alumni) in the last few overs meant that a six was needed off the last ball to tie the game. 

Carl Perry, however, could only manage a two and the 1st XI prevailed. James Thomas making a guest appearance for the school was the pick of the bowlers with 3-28 while James Butler also bowled tidily for 1-12.

A wonderful day, with current parents, alumni parents and families, and the school’s cricketing community getting together for spirited fun. The Alumni team is looking forward to current students joining its ranks in future cricket clashes.