Seddon Cricket Club were wonderfully hosted by Waipuna Valley Cricket Club at Stud Oval in Waipuna today.

Waipuna Valley Cricket Club is a superb club nestled in the Waerenga ranges close to Te Kauwhata. Led by Club Founder, Carl Schwarz, it’s one of the best private grounds in New Zealand and it’s always a treat to be given the opportunity to play there.

This is an annual fixture between the two clubs and one that is always played on Waitangi Day. For Seddon Cricket Club, it is an opportunity to invite young players to experience cricket played in this fashion. For this game most of the team were between the ages of 15 – 18 with the experienced Guy Schwikkard leading the lads with his strategic captaincy.

It was a fantastic game of cricket. Waipuna Valley Cricket Club won the toss and decided to bat. They got to a very competitive score of 237 all out in 39.4 overs. Carl Schwarz (79) and Jerem Wylie (60) both scored at a good rate to keep the score around 6 runs per over throughout the innings. For Seddon Cricket Club, Josh Laing returned the best figures of 4 for 31 off 8 overs. Liam Coombes, who is only 15, was very slippery with the new ball. This kid has a bright future!

In reply, Seddon Cricket Club were well placed to achieve the total for the majority of the innings. Zac Laing (65), who is also only 15 and also has a bright future! anchored the innings alongside Guy Schwikkard (67). However, there were a few moments of uncertainty during the backend of the innings when a few wickets were lost in quick succession. Keith Vincent for Waipuna Valley Cricket Club bowled a magnificent spell of off spin to claw Waipuna Valley Cricket Club back into the game.

However, Seddon Cricket Club ended up getting the required runs with an over to spare thanks to Finn Williams who scored a belligerent 33no to ensure Seddon Cricket Club retain the Broken Chair Shield for another season. Billy Condon also compiled a useful 30 runs in his innings.

A big thank you to the parents that turned up to support their sons. It’s always wonderful to have you attend these fixtures.

A big thank you to Carl Schwarz and his players for making the day an excellent experience and one to savor for our younger men.

Scores:

Waipauna Valley Cricket Club 237 all out in 39.4 overs

Seddon Cricket Club 341 for 7 in 39 overs.

Team:

Guy Schwikkard (c)

Zac Laing

Hemanth Akula

Andy Rogers

Billy Condon

Finn Williams

Liam Coombes

George Williams

Thomas Hickey

James McIntyre

Josh Laing