Gis Int have good hit-out tourney

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

A man with a passion is bringing out the best in junior cricket.

Former Rere School principal David Milne, the driving force behind the West Gisborne Rural Schools team, will coach a Gisborne Intermediate School boys’ first 11 on the rise to the Labour Weekend tournament in Hastings.

The first 11, led by Patrick McInnes, beat an older Invitation 11 by 27 runs in a 50-over game at Gis Int on Sunday.

“The boys have dedicated themselves to cricket and eagerly anticipate facing off against formidable Wellington clubs in three days of 50-over cricket,” Milne said.

“In gratitude, the team extends their heartfelt appreciation to everyone who’s supported their cause by buying apples, which funded their distinctive royal blue playing caps.”

He said the team had benefited from the invaluable expertise and leadership of other school staff members also, in their manager Dylan Babbington and sports co-ordinator Wayne Ensor.

Gisborne Intermediate had a great cricket tradition before the advent of the New Zealand Primary Cricket Cup (for boys) and New Zealand Primary Cricket Shield (for girls) in 1999, which included an annual fixture against Napier Intermediate School.

On Sunday, McInnes won the toss on a bright, cool, windy day and opted to bat on Gisborne Intermediate’s boutique ground.

The first 11 were bowled out for 180 in 49.3 overs, with second drop McInnes (33) and No.1 Harvey Reynolds (29) to the fore. It was a superb batting effort on the artificial pitch.

The Invitation side bowled 40 wides.

Bryant Baxter probed for weaknesses in taking 3-18 in 5.3 overs and fellow off-spinner Ted Gillies got through his full complement of 10, taking 3-25. Gillies varied his pace skilfully and got the ball to turn.

Tall opening bowler Brandon Fearnley had earlier given the Invitation 11 a quality start with his swing and bounce. His figures were 1-16 in eight overs.

Reynolds was the victim of a direct hit by Jordyn Haley to be run out, having timed an on-drive beautifully.

The Gis Int innings was exactly what they needed ahead of Labour Weekend. Too much short-form cricket, which forces young players to sprint before they can crawl, creates bad batting habits which are difficult to break.

In the Invitation 11 innings, left-hander Haley — a cricketer new to the game — made the match-high score of 41 from No.6. Gayesha Mahabalage put up a stylish 37 from No.8, while first drop Charlie Whitfield had shown patience and discipline in compiling 17.

The older team were all out for 153 in 34.5 overs. Young paceman Cody McMurray was outstanding as he took 3-18. He, McInnes, leg-spin bowlers Reynolds (1-16 off three overs) and Conrad Parkes (1-11 off three) achieved valuable breakthroughs.

Gis Int demonstrated great powers of concentration for 84 overs with bat and ball and in the field. They were fully tested and came up trumps.

The team to play in the tournament at Hawke’s Bay are Patrick McInnes (c), Jack Williams, William Edginton, Raffaele Colucci, Jack Roberts, Reuben Walsh, Archie Gillies (wkp), Conrad Parkes, Arthur Cave, Harvey Reynolds, Cody McMurray, Kobe Donnelly.

They face North City at Frimley Park No.4 on Saturday (12.30pm); Wellington Collegians at Frimley Park No.2 on Sunday (10.30am); and Onslow at Windsor Park No.1 (9am) on Monday.