In mid January, Seddon Cricket Club sent eleven U17 players from around the Northern Districts geographical region down to Christchurch. The players were accompanied by former New Zealand Cricket representative, Mark Bailey (ND Cap #151), former Northern Districts representative for 17 years, Joey Yovich (ND Cap #176) and former New Zealand International batter, Lou Vincent.

In conjunction with Northern Districts Cricket Association, Seddon Cricket Club selected teenage players from smaller rural schools. All players have exciting talent but don’t necessarily get exposed to quality cricket coaching or opportunities because of the location they live in or the lack of resources that are offered to them.

It was an amazing experience for the young players. They were exposed to life of a travelling cricket player and endured some of the challenges that playing cricket on the road present.

The players had the privilege of practicing on grass pitches just out the back of Hagley Oval. After training the team were taken through a wonderful tour of Hagley Oval where they got up close to the Pakistan and Blackcaps changing rooms, Match Official rooms, corporate facilities and the Sir Richard Hadlee Indoor Centre.

The tour was an opportunity to educate the players about the traditional values of cricket and there is no better place in doing that than playing at The Willows. It is one of the most prestigious cricket venues in the country and is steeped in tradition and history.

The game was played in front of NZ’s greatest ever cricketer, Sir Richard Hadlee. Also at the venue was John Wright (ND Cap #102) who shared some of his knowledge with many of our players – he also had some great stories about life on the IPL circuit!

Other ND Alumni that attended were Michael Parlane (ND Cap #165) and David Kelly (ND Cap #196), who both live in Canterbury now.

Both clubs agreed to play a 110 over declaration match. The Willows won the toss and scored a competitive total of 235 after 45 overs. There were many ebbs and flows during The Willows innings but the bowlers stuck to their tasks with Gisborne local, David Gray, being the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3 for 30 off 8 overs.

In reply Seddon Cricket Club got away to a great start and were 111 for 2 at one stage. Riley Kusabs (45) and Solomon Nash (31) were striking the ball very well. However, during the Seddon Cricket Club innings there was a very eery feel developing. There were many helicopters, police cars and media that started to circle the ground due to massive fires that were ablaze in the Loburn area.

After 25 overs of the Seddon Cricket Club innings two police officers entered the venue by walking down the driveway and onto the ground. Players and supporters were quickly instructed to evacuate the field and leave Loburn as soon as possible.

The match was abandoned after 70 overs and declared a Draw, due to fire.

The Seddon Cricket Club really appreciate The Willows giving our young players an opportunity to play at their ground against a similar type of team to what we selected.

Ben Dormer, you’re a legend for organising some unforgettable experiences for our young players.

A big thank you to Paladin Sports for outfitting our players. We would also like to thank Kalena Finlayson at Momento Group for organising our travel. Thank you to the staff at Bealey Quarter for being wonderful hosts. Great accommodation for any travelling sports teams.

Team:

Josh Parsons (Mount Maunganui College)

David Gray (Gisborne Boys High School)

Jacob Hagoort (Morrinsville College)

Riley Kusabs (Rotorua Boys High School)

Ranithu Rodrigo (John Paul College)

Jack Kneebone (St Johns College, BJ Watling Recipient)

Liam Du Plessis (Western Heights High School)

Solomon Nash (St Paul's College, Auckland)

Aaron Halaapiapi (Pompellier College)

Hemanth Akula (Hillcrest High School)

Daniel Sproul (Hauraki Plains College)

Coach: Mark Bailey

Coach: Lou Vincent

Alumni: Joey Yovich

Manager: Kent Currie