"An amazing show of sportsmanship and is how the game should be played, in my opinion."
Later on, chasing United's 155/8, Hunter went in at 25/2 knowing his wicket would be key for United, and on the fourth ball he faced, the No4 batsman played and missed a half volley just outside the off-stump.
"A faint noise [bat flicking pitch] and a muffled appeal ensued.
"By this stage I had swung around towards square leg, annoyed that I had missed a chance to score."
Hunter said he was stunned when the umpire raised his finger, believing he was walking because he nicked the ball.
Trudging off, Hunter received a second surprise when he was told a conversation was happening mid-pitch, and then United's captain Karl Bremer decided to call him back.
"A big call given the situation of the game and the fact that I can bat half decent on my day," Hunter said.
"This was about my 500th game and I cannot recall this having happened before."
Hunter ultimately was dismissed by Bremer himself for 11 and Tech fell short of their target at 115/7.
However, for Hunter, something bigger had been achieved than the result.
"Despite the disappointment for my team and myself, there was a sense that the cricket gods had intervened and it made me feel pleased for the opposition," he said.
"I only hope that this made their victory even sweeter."
As a Wanganui High School teacher, Hunter said an important part of the job is teaching students the value of integrity, so he wanted this kind of sportsmanship recognised publicly.
"It is heart-warming to know that this exists outside of school and this was a great example of it.
"Full credit to Karl Bremner and Stu Mosen and the rest of the team involved."
