Wirihana Cup Win – To Old Collegians!

It was a very determined Boys’ School 1st XI that set out in a contest with the ‘old boys’ last week, to try and retain the Wirihana Cup.

The cup was first played for in 1961 and this was a feature on the calendar until the cup went ‘missing’ some years later. When it resurfaced in 2012, it was ‘game on!’ Each subsequent year, the former cricket players from the Boys’ School have been invited back to school for a challenge match against the current top team, always played with a dose of good fun and topped off with a barbecue.

The match lived up to expectations with a close fought encounter - despite the huge age gap! With youth on their side, the boys went into play with spirit, giving their older (and in some cases, much older!) opposition a good run! The boys batted first and made 164 off their 20 overs.

The ‘Old Boys’ team fielded three past 1st XI Captains -Jon Ormond, Harrison Nash and, most notably, past Black Cap, Tim McIntosh. Their team was admirably led by President of the Old Collegians, Hayden Butler. It was down to the last over when the ‘Old Boys’ squeaked a win right at the end with a massive six hit by Hayden Butler to take the match by one run - 165 in the 20th over!

The boys have now set their sights firmly on next year, to ensure the Wirihana Cup returns to its rightful place in the trophy cabinet on Shore Road!

Our thanks to Boys’ School Principal, Peter Cassie, for his fabulous BBQ expertise, and to the returning former students and the parents for their support.