DEVELOPMENT XI A competitive year in a competitive grade left the Development XI with several reflections that will build the players’ perseverance and understanding of what needs to happen in the higher grades. Bowling was our strength, and we were consistently able to dismiss teams. The variation ranged from three left-arm quicks to five right- arm seamers and two spinners. With variation aplenty, each bowler had his highlight during the season. Ollie Young (5–20 against the Rangiora High School 1st XI and Henry Murfitt (5–50 against the St Andrew’s College 2nd XI), claimed five wickets in an innings, while Alf Markham was the most consistent bowler, taking the bowling award. Team batting has grown with an improved temperament, but there is still room to achieve more. Fynn Harrington (recipient of the batting award) and Jackson Grace made scores over 50, while Louie Garry had five scores in the 40s. All players have shown the talent to score confidently, but consistency will be the key for the future. Fielding has been a highlight, with Louie Garry in the slips, Harry Smith around the outfield, and some superb catches from Henry Murfitt, Ewan Whiteside, Ben Campbell, and Louie Garry. The Development team is a filter team for the 2nd XI, resulting in changing openers for both batting and bowling, different captains, and accepting younger players into the team. Each gives the opportunity to take a bigger role within the team and it has been a pleasure to see several players step forward when called on. 5TH XI At the start of the season, many 5th XI players had been members since 2021 and were renowned for their tight-knit community and friendships. Headed by co-captains Bede Elkington and Aston Nijjar, this season was no different. The 5th XI started strongly, building momentum as the season
progressed. Ultimately, the boys concluded the season with an impressive winning streak, securing victory in their last four games. First, the boys beat the Rangiora High School 2nd XI 1/153 to 6/151. The following week, they won against the North West Youth 3rd XI, winning by 16 runs. Playing in Darfield, the boys beat the Darfield Year 11 Boys Colts by 36 runs. In their last game, the boys won against the Shirley Boys’ High School 3rd XI by nine wickets. This performance highlighted the phenomenal effort from all players. From powerful batting performances to strategic bowling tactics, the team demonstrated a well-rounded approach to the game. The team’s outstanding performance on the field was matched by their exemplary sportsmanship and camaraderie off the field. PRINCIPAL'S XI The Principal’s XI did not have a stellar 2023. A victory achieved on the final day of cricket was the only one for the year. However, the team strived to be competitive, with several close losses and always
making the opposition work hard. In Term 1, we were possibly a division higher than we should have been, but we showed a lot of fight. We usually took teams well into the last hour before they could celebrate. In Term 4, we were more competitive but just could not close out results. Games often slipped away as we fell just short with the bat or failed to knock over stubborn tailenders. Priority is put on team spirit and it really shows in the way they support and celebrate each other. Whenever batsmen Callum Fox, Saleh Ameen, Carlos Parker, Jono Murphy, Thomas Douglas or Luke Hearne put a score on the board, they got plenty of praise. The bowling was led at times by different players, especially Will Pearson in Term 1 and Felix Bowden in Term 2. Hayden Douglass went from part-timer to new ball bowler and formed a fearsome pairing with Sam Glennie, while Bede Hamilton, Josh Durant, Bruno Davies and Alex Fulton all had their big moments, too. Farewell to our seniors, Jono, Thomas, and Bruno. We wish them well for the future. Bring on 2024. Finally, a big thank you to Jono for
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