CRICKET Trans-Tasman Cricket Tournament
Visiting Christchurch after four years was a sobering experience for teams competing in the Trans-Tasman Cricket Tournament, an annual four-team event hosted this year by College.
The teams from Shore Grammar in Sydney, Canberra Grammar, and King’s College in Auckland had played in Christchurch just before the 2011 earthquake, and those returning this time were shocked to see the difference in the city. However, this did not deter an action-packed week when the boys, who stayed in Flower’s and Jacobs House, got a good chance to improve their play. Sports Director Mr Rob Clarke says the tournament was a great way for the teams to start the season playing a full week of cricket. “However, the key thing for us is that rather than it being just a competitive match, it is a festival, so although the games are fought hard, there is no outright winner.
“It is a little different from normal competition and the boys get chances to bat and bowl, so it is a good opportunity for them to get plenty of experience in all aspects of the game.’’ Each team played two two-day matches against the other country, then a one-day match against the other team from their own country. The College team was missing two key players, Bailen Thatcher and Lochie McKellar, who were playing in national tournaments. However, Mr Clarke says this gave some of the younger cricketers a chance to come in and play. Lochie returned to play in the one-day King’s match, taking six wickets and helping College win the game. Daniel Freeman-
Greene took six wickets in the second innings against Canberra Grammar to give College a convincing win. College drew against Shore Grammar. Within the week there was a festival dinner in the Dining Hall for teams and their parents. Guest speaker Old Boy Alex Reese talked about the cricket academy he has set up in Sri Lanka. Alex took part in three of the Trans-Tasman Tournaments in his time in the First XI.
Christ’s College Canterbury Players take part in the Trans-Tasman Cricket Tournament hosted by Christ’s College earlier this year.
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