School mates go at it in junior rep cricket

In a hotly contested pre-Christmas encounter, the Ray White Wanganui Cricket Year 7 and Year 8 representative teams fronted up at Victoria Park for the inaugural clash in what could be an annual fixture.

Mate against mate, all the players know each other from many years of rugby rivalry and cricket matches and it was the Year 7 youngsters who came up trumps.

It should be noted between the two teams, eleven of the 22 players came from Huntley School, showing what a strength they are in the local cricket competition.

Winning the toss and batting first, the Year 8 team were the victims of some excellent bowling, making their way to a regulation 67 all out in 15 overs.

Wickets were shared around, with Monty Sherriff claiming two early on, while debutantes Jonty Thompson and Rory Trotter picked up two a piece and Matthew Hocquard claiming the prized scalp of the all-rounder Josh Allpress to end with figures of 2-7.

Saul Abernethy took one wicket and pulled off one of the catches of the season with a diving one hander at mid-on to remove the dangerous Blake Hoskin for 29.

Other Year 8 batting contributions included 25 from George Pearse and some of the most text book drives seen for boundaries from Carter Hobbs.

Despite losing opener and ever-reliable run scorer Bradley Hanegraaf early, the younger Year 7 team set about their chase diligently.

Credit should be given to coach Gavin Thompson of Utiku rugby fame, now coaching cricket in Wanganui.

With constant mentoring, his players retained their nerve, to coast home in the fifteenth over, reaching 68-5 largely thanks to an unbeaten partnership of 50 by Harry McVerry (20) and Matthew Hocquard (44).

Opening bowlers Allpress and Tom Wilkinson-Smith had their fair share of success, taking a couple of wickets a piece during a fierce opening spell of fast bowling.

When asked to comment, Dilan Raj, Director of Cricket Wanganui said he was delighted that the boys got out there.

"A great bunch of lads, proudly playing for their province putting on a display of cricket that would be respected at any level.

"Some of these lads travel from as far as Taihape, Mangamahu and Palmerston North to be here today which just shows the commitment of the parents and players involved, I would like to thank them for that.

"We are immensely proud of Junior Cricket in Whanganui, we have a proud history.

"I believe seeing what was on show today we are in good stead for the future."