1st XI Cricket Quad Tournament in Blenheim

By Steve Brown | Posted: Thursday October 16, 2025

The Otago Boys' High School 1st XI participated in a quadrangular tournament in Blenheim, facing Marlborough Boys' College (MBC), Christ's College (CC), and Auckland Grammar (AKDG).

The team had a very successful outing, securing two wins and retaining the prestigious Heathcote Williams Shield.

Game 1: vs. Marlborough Boys' College (50 Overs) - Heathcote Williams Shield Defence #1

Result: OBHS won by 5 wickets

MBC Innings: Marlborough Boys' College batted first and were bowled out for 157 runs in 46.4 overs. The OBHS bowling attack was sharp, with impressive returns from Jack Ussher (3/23), Ashton Hansen (2/14), and Oak Chisholm (2/31).
OBHS Innings: Chasing 158, Otago Boys' High School demonstrated a dominant batting performance, reaching the target in just 25.3 overs with 5 wickets down (158/5). The chase was anchored by a powerful innings from Ashton Hansen, who scored 68, and a solid contribution from Ollie Turnbull with 45. This victory successfully defended the Heathcote Williams Shield.

Game 2: vs. Christ's College (50 Overs) - Heathcote Williams Shield Defence #2

Result: Match Abandoned due to Rain

CC Innings: Christ's College completed their innings, posting a total of 189/8 in 50 overs. The OBHS bowlers maintained pressure, with Jack Ussher again leading the wicket-takers with 3/29. Support came from Zak Rizwan (2/30) and Ashton Hansen (1/9).
OBHS Innings: Before Otago Boys' High School could begin their chase, the match was called off due to the inclement weather. Due to this fixture being abandoned, the Heathcote Williams Shield remained with the 1st XI, and was able to be taken back to Dunedin for the upcoming summer.

Game 3: vs. Auckland Grammar (40 Overs)

Result: OBHS won by 80 runs

OBHS Innings: In the 40-over fixture, Otago Boys' High School batted first and compiled a strong total of 201 runs, all out in 39.2 overs. The innings was built on solid contributions throughout the order, notably from Ollie Turnbull (54), Ashton Hansen (35), Jack Ussher (35), and Sam Brophy (29).
AKDG Innings: Auckland Grammar struggled in their chase and were bowled out for 121 in 29 overs. The OBHS bowling unit saved their best efforts until their final match, with standout performances from Harry Bezett (3/11), Jack Ussher (2/5), and Zak Rizwan (1/12), which also included three exceptional team run outs, securing a comprehensive win for OBHS.

The planned annual fixture against Willows CC in Christchurch on Sunday 5th October was unfortunately cancelled due to inclement weather.