Rotorua cricketers host New South Wales counterparts

John Paul College batsman Joshua Richardson lines up a shot against a New South Wales touring side. Photo / Stephen Parker

Cricket season is just around the corner and a group of John Paul College players had a pre-season hit out against an Australian touring side this week.

The New South Wales touring side played games against school sides in Auckland and Tauranga before making their way to Rotorua.

On Monday, they played John Paul College in a highly competitive 40-over-a-side match.

NSW batted first and compiled a respectable 172 all out in their 40 overs.

They looked set for a mighty total at 103 for 3 after 23 overs, however a good fight back from JPC had NSW needing a last wicket partnership of 30 runs to get them to a competitive total.

JPC's reply was measured with Carter Proudley and Cohen Stewart putting on 57 for the third wicket after some early trouble at 20 for 2.

Wickets continued to fall regularly and JPC found themselves in some trouble at 145 for 7, but a mainstay throughout the innings was the impressive Cohen Stewart, batting at number three, with 88 not out to control the innings and hit the winning runs with an over to spare.

NSW Selection 172 all out Harry 44, Finlay 29*, Bailey 23. Cohen Stewart 3 for 26 off 6 overs, Sohan Patel 2 for 15 off 6 overs.

JPC Geyser 173 for 7 (39 overs) Cohen Stewart 88*, Josh Richardson 13, Carter Proudley 10.

On Tuesday, the side's lined up for a pair of Twenty20 matches. The Australians got their revenge with an eight-wicket in the first match and looked odds on to post another big total in the second match before rain ended proceedings.

Cohen Stewart was nominated by the visitors as the Player of the Series.

Aussie Sports Tours owner Mark Leard, who organised the trip, said his players enjoyed the cultural experience as much as the cricket.

"We stayed on marae in Auckland and Tauranga and had a great welcome in Rotorua. We would like to thank Rotorua Cricket for allowing us to use Smallbone Park.

"The purpose of the tour was not only the cricket, but also the cultural experience and on that note everyone involved in the tour has truly been amazed at everything we have seen to date.

"Our aim is to bring good kids away that have the right attitude and will appreciate the experience. Of course cricket ability is also part of the selection process, but attitude and sportsmanship are both the leading contributors to selection on our tours."