BUZZING: The Ōtorohanga College Invitational XI who took on Seddon Crickett Club at Seddon Park last weekend. PHOTO SUPPLIED
It’s not every day you get to play cricket on an international cricket field as a high school cricketer.
Thanks to Seddon Cricket Club, that is exactly what happened for a bunch of Ōtorohanga College cricketers last weekend.
An Ōtorohanga College Invitational XI was invited to play against a Seddon Cricket Club side on the hallowed Seddon Park, a ground where many Black Caps’ victories have been recorded along with some notable performances such as Kane Williamson’s 251 against the West Indies and Trent Boult’s six wickets against Australia.
Bryan King, a former Ōtorohanga College cricketer and current member of the Ōtorohanga Raptors and Seddon Cricket Club, said it was an amazing experience for the players.
“The boys absolutely loved it. They were just buzzing when we got there; to play on a field with such a good wicket and amazing outfield was a real highlight for them.
“The game got away on them early, but they did so well to come back into it like they did. They will be proud of their efforts.”
King, who captained the side for the day, said while they were unable to secure the win it was more about enjoyment.
“We are super thankful to Seddon Cricket Club. Myself, Leighton Parsons and Chris Keech are all part of the Seddon Club and may have had a sway on the team getting the fixture, but it was an awesome opportunity for the boys.
“Playing on Seddon Park is special in itself and Seddon Cricket Club add to the day with all the traditional formalities, making it a day you remember forever.”
Seddon Cricket Club are all about providing opportunities for younger players to keep them in the game.
“We don’t want to lose people to the sport,” King said. “Things like this are an awesome way to try and keep people in the sport. They made it a really enjoyable day.”
King said having the families go along and watch made for a fantastic afternoon.
With the bat, Seddon Cricket Club racked up an impressive 268 batting first with Hamish Raine the best of the college bowlers with two wickets.
With the bat, Ōtorohanga made 170 with Hamish Raine top scoring with 43. His brother, Callum, made 25, Max Cornes, 23, and Alex Bailey, 21.
A special part of the day was the partnership between Hamish and Callum.
“It was Hamish’s last game for the team before he heads down south to study, so for the brothers to bat together one last time in a game like that on a field like that is super special.
“Hamish, being the regular captain of the side, was also presented with a Seddon Cricket Club tie.”
