On Sunday 3rd of November 2024, Seddon Cricket Club hosted a Northern Districts U17 XI at St Paul’s Collegiate, Hamilton.

The purpose of the game was to connect some of ND’s past players with the next generation of talent coming through the playing pathway. We only do it once a season, but it was great to pull out the ND Retro Uniform! It is a replica of the one day unform that ND wore in the 1980’s and it still looks as fantastic now as it did then!! Paladin Sports have done a great job nailing the colours on this! They are the best in the business.

Although there was a biting southerly blowing early in the day, the game was generally played in stunning conditions.

Seddon Cricket Club batted first and scored 372 all out in 49 overs. Players that made significant contributions with the bat were Hemanth Akula (47) Guy Schwikkard (61), Aaron Bradley (36), Cohen Stewart (26), Riley Parkinson (34), Callum Nicolls (27) and Joey Yovich (84 retired). Trent McVeigh from Counties Manukau impressed with the ball by taking 3 for 59 in his 9.4 overs.

In reply ND U17 XI scored 239 for 10 in 46 overs. Monte Rolsten (53) and Nihar Palmer (75) showed plenty of class during their innings and cashed in on a good batting track. George Williams was the pick of the Seddon bowlers and returned figures of 3 for 58 for his efforts

It was fantastic to have some of our Alumni, not only playing, but come down to check out the action. Thanks for supporting the day – Dion Nash (ND Cap #158), Grant Bradburn (ND Cap #133), Joey Yovich (ND Cap #176), Matt Hart (ND Cap #153), Mark Bailey (ND Cap #151), Aaron Bradley (ND #170).

A big thank you to Shirish Nagar who scored for us – an outstanding job, Shirish. Magnificent.

Thank you to Chris Warner at St Paul’s Collegiate for once again catering a delicious lunch for the players and officials.

Initiatives like these are really positive for all the players concerned. It was great to give it ago this year - and we have the motivation to grow this concept in future years.

Our past players have so much knowledge about the game and it’s great that they are willing to share it for the good of growing our next generation of talent.

Thank you to St Paul's Collegiate student Elsa Greenbaum for capturing some of the day for us. Great photos, Elsa!