Old Boys Cricket Match vs OBHS 1st XI 2021

By Gwyn Pratley | Posted: Thursday February 4, 2021

On Tuesday 2 February 2021 the Otago Boys’ High School 1st XI played their first traditional fixture of the year against an invitational Old Boy’s XI in a 40 Over fixture on Littlebourne.

This year’s Old Boy’s side was captained by Vice President of the Old Boys Society Gerard Finnie (1985). With the customary tradition of the Old Boys always batting first enforced the Old Boys opened proceedings with Hunter Kindley (2017) and current ICC international umpire Chris Gaffaney (1993). The opening pair showed real momentum early as they quickly compiled an opening partnership of 40 before they were both dismissed in consecutive overs to have the score board reading 2-41. From that point on all the batsmen played their part in keeping the run rate at above a run a ball with Jack Pryde (2017) 15, Mark Billcliff (1994) 26, Cameron Elliott (2020) 17, Brendon Hunt (1994) 29, all making sound contributions. That set the foundation for a stellar display of ball striking from Regan Finch (1997) 47 which included 3 mighty sixes (two over the Grandstand and one into the Shand building). However, the 1st XI chipped away and to their credit picked up late wickets to have the Old Boys 198-9 with still 10 overs to bat. This set the scene for skipper Finnie 22 and experienced Dunedin senior cricket campaigner Jamie Murley (1999) 34 not out to add 46 for the last wicket meaning the Old Boys set a target of 245 for the 1st XI to chase down.

During the innings break both teams retired to the shade of the Grandstand for a light luncheon where players from both teams were able to interact within an informal atmosphere. The captains spoke briefly on the significance of this traditional fixture at Otago Boys’ High School and the value of the interactions and connections that are fostered between students both past and present on days like these.

After the interval, it was back to the job at hand with the 1st XI chasing down the target with real purpose. Jacob Cumming 55, Seb Kyle 51 and Finn Hurley 46 ensured that the 1st XI were always on target for victory but as the scoreboard pressure built so did the fall of wickets with the game coming to a dramatic climax with the 1st XI 9 down and requiring 12 off the last over to win. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be for the 1st XI with Rihane Smith (1992) striking early in the over to give the Old Boys an 11 run win.

In summary, it was a brilliant day for all involved and special thanks must go out to the Old Boys who gave their time and support to the day so generously both on and off the playing field. If any Old Boy would like to be involved in the fixture in any capacity for 2022 please don’t hesitate to contact Mr Gwyn Pratley on his school email address [email protected] for information.

Scorecard

Old Boys XI

H. Kindley (2013-2017) caught McEwan bowled Stephens 7
C. Gaffaney (1991-1993) caught Kyle bowled Wilson 31
M. Billcliff (1990-1994) bowled J. Cumming 26
J. Pryde (2013-2017) bowled Stephens 15
C. Elliott (2016-2020) caught J. Cumming bowled Ritchie 17
B. Hunt (1990-1994) caught Keiller bowled Chisholm 29
R. Smith (1989-1992) caught Chisholm bowled Ritchie 9
R. Finch (1993-1997) caught Chisholm bowled Z. Cumming 47
G. Finnie (1981-1985) © caught J. Cumming bowled O’Connor 22
M. Smith (1992-1996) bowled Z. Cumming 0
J. Murley (1995-1999) not out 34

Extras 7

Total 244

1st XI Bowling

A. Wilson 5 Overs 1-14
B. Keiller 3 Overs 0-32
B. Stephens 5 Overs 2-22
J. Cumming 4 Overs 1-29
O. Ritchie 4 Overs 2-28
X. Chisholm 8 Overs 1-41
Z. Cumming 5 Overs 2-51
T. O’Connor 2.4 Overs 1-18

OBHS 1st XI

X. Chisholm bowled Murley 4
J. Chisholm stumped R. Smith bowled M. Smith 55
S. Kyle caught Murley bowled M. Smith 51
Z. Cumming caught Pryde bowled Finnie 5
F. Hurley caught Kindley bowled Finnie 46
B. Stephens caught Kindley bowled Finnie 9
T. O’Connor bowled Finnie 6
A. Wilson bowled R. Smith 26
G. Holt caught & bowled Murley 18
O. Ritchie bowled R. Smith 4
O. McEwan not out 0

Extras 9

Total 233

Old Boys Bowling

J. Murley 8 Overs 2-39
M. Billcliff 4 Overs 0-23
M. Smith 8 Overs 2-45
J. Pryde 5 Overs 0-26
G. Finnie 8 Overs 4-45
R. Smith 7.1 Overs 2-49

Win to the Old Boys by 11 runs