THE RICHARD SEDDON CUP

On Friday 12th April 2024, Seddon Cricket Club once again hosted the New Zealand Parliamentary XI at the ‘PEOPLE’S GROUND’ of New Zealand - Seddon Park, Hamilton. This year’s fixture was in conjunction with Foodstuffs NZ and Plus Mortgage Trust.

Seddon Cricket Club and the politicians were once again competing for the coveted Richard Seddon Cup, that until this point Seddon Cricket Club had never won! This cup is named after New Zealand’s longest standing Prime Minister and a man that Seddon Park is indeed named after.

New Zealand Parliamentary XI were again favourites to take out this year’s fixture as they brought with them considerable experience with names such as Kieran McNulty MP, Tom Rutherford MP for Bay of Plenty, James Meager MP, Ofisa Junior Tonu'u and Ben Strang, to name a few. They also added some new blood into this years line up with hometown politician Ryan Hamilton MP for Hamilton East making his debut alongside Cameron Luxton MP, Tim Costley MP and Steve Abel MP who travelled in for this eagerly anticipated game.

However, Seddon Cricket Club also selected players of genuine experience particularly when it comes to performing under pressure – Scott McLeod, Heath Mills, Joey Yovich, Rob Hart and Braedon Makgill created a genuine spine to this years XI.

Not many people were convinced that there was going to be any cricket at all with rain hammering Hamilton for no less than 12 hours, non-stop, prior to the first delivery being bowled.

However, in the spirit of what this country is about and how our MPs lead us, with a can-do attitude, we were able to get a competitive 50 overs of play in. The SEDDON PARK GROUNDSMEN, were SUPERB!! No wonder Seddon Park has been allocated an English test match next summer – it really is becoming the ‘People’s Ground’ of New Zealand. Quinn Mills not only dried the ground, rolled the pitch, and marked the creases – he actually steamed in and grabbed a couple of wickets also! What a day for the young man.

Captain of the Seddon Cricket Club XI, Councilor Mark Donovan - Hamilton City Councillor, lost the toss to Kieran McNulty MP and Seddon were put into bat on a pitch that didn’t appear to have many demons in it. It was an aggressive move from McNulty, and it clearly showed the intent that the politicians have been renowned for.

However, it was Seddon Cricket Club that were the aggressors as we scored at 7.5 runs per over and ended up with a score of 184 all out after 24 overs. Riley McCullum, grandson of Stu McCullum, who is the father of Brendan McCullum, who had a brother Nathan McCullum (do you think they talk about cricket around the dinner table?) scored a magnificent 71 not out off 38 deliveries. Another player to feature with the bat was former All Black, Scott McLeod who got 36 off 30. ‘Stormy’ in fact was part of a 50-run partnership with McCullum where he contributed 1 run. However, both batters eventually put on a century stand where McLeod contributed 30 odd runs to. The pick of the bowlers for the Parliamentary XI was Tom Rutherford MP who had figures of 3 for 22.

In reply the Parliamentary XI had a solid start through opening batter, Hamish Craig, who blunted the Seddon attack for a period, scoring a disciplined 20 runs. However, the Parliamentary XI innings couldn’t quite get on top of the Seddon bowlers as the attack led by Quinton De Bruin, Robert Dunne, Scott Couch and Duncan Fletcher dried up the runs and took regular wickets at the same time. The Parliamentary XI were eventually bowled out for 94 in the last over of the game.

Although Seddon Cricket Club won the game on the field, the Parliamentary XI certainly won the speeches after the game in the Oaks Lounge at Seddon Park. Kieran McNulty and Ryan Hamilton speaking very elegantly and graciously and received a warm reception from the audience.

The Richard Seddon Cup is an annual traditional fixture and it’s one that Seddon Cricket Club view as one of its most enjoyable. It is always a fantastic way to finish the season and we really appreciate and respect the politicians for once again making time for us and playing in the great spirit of cricket.

A BIG THANK YOU to Karl Johnson and his Seddon Park GROUNDS STAFF – we probably had no right to be playing cricket on Friday given the weather – but these fine men made it happen for us. Total respect.

Also, Thank you to Northern Districts Cricket Association for their contribution to this day. Charlotte Twigg is an absolute star, and her fine customer service and hospitality is always received by Seddon Cricket Club with a great deal of warmth.

Thank you to the umpires Evan John Gray and Greg Peters They both took time off work to stand in this game and we appreciate it.

During the day we had snacks provided by Pita Pit Te-Rapa Home Straight, Pita Pit - Hamilton CBD, Pita Pit Kahikatea Drive,

And the meal after the game from Kerr & Ladbrook Catering was again magnificent! Thank you to the team there.

Can't forget Good George Brewing - the lads needed a few Looseners...

Yours in cricket.