Dream start to cricket season for Dannevirke

Batsmen George Collin and Thomas Kuggeleijn walk off after completing the run chase. Photo / Dave Murdoch

Dannevirke's senior men's Premier One cricket team had a dream start to the season with a win against Cosi Club Old Boys.

The team, playing in the grade for the first time, won in 30 overs.

Team captain Thomas Kuggeleijn was very pleased with the win.

"It was a great result."

He said there had been a few nerves before the game as many members of the team hadn't played at that grade before.

"It's an excellent feeling to win the first one."

Kuggeleijn said he wasn't too worried himself as he'd already played Premier One and knew what they were up against.

Opener Cameron Walker sweeps a ball to leg. Photo / Dave Murdoch

He said everyone did what they needed to do.

"Everyone did their job, everyone contributed."

Jason Thompson and Gareth Martin took three wickets each.

The catch of the match went to George Colin, which had Old Boys at 47 for 2. Andrew Galloway then took another good catch off Kuggeleijn's bowling, with no more runs added to the board.

Wickets were captured at regular intervals to skittle out Old Boys for 95.

Dannevirke openers Josh Thompson and Cameron Walker set up the win, putting on 66 from 22 overs. They were both dismissed before Colin and Kuggeleijn steered Dannevirke to an eight-wicket victory.

Dannevirke had struggled over the past few years to get enough players, which meant many keen cricketers had to join teams outside of Dannevirke.

The win meant it could encourage the juniors to think about continuing to play for Dannevirke once they reached senior level.

"They'll see there is that pathway," Kuggeleijn said.

The team will next play against Marist in Palmerston North on October 30.