The final Wanderers schoolboy game of the season took place at the Cello Basin Reserve on Thursday 3 April against our cricketing friends from the Seddon Cricket Club, a fixture that always produces competitive contests.

The chance to play on the Basin is a privilege for any cricketer, and with overnight rain leaving the outfield damp, and inclement weather looming, a delayed start was never an option — both teams were eager to take the field and get underway.

Wanderers captain Charlie Jackson called correctly at the toss and chose to bat — a decision that seemed wise given the damp outfield. However, once Hudson Clarke and Josh Laing took the new ball, the coaching staff began to wonder if the right call had been made. Clarke delivered a superb six-over spell from the Adelaide Road end, consistently hitting a good length and making full use of the pitch and overcast conditions to trouble the top order. He finished with figures of (2-13), including a sharp catch at slip by Jordan van Zyl.

Led by outstanding fielding and a disciplined seam attack, wickets fell cheaply, and the Wanderers were in early trouble at 3 for 22. Finn Hourigan and Lewis Jeffreys showed some resistance, but once the first-change duo entered the fray — left-armer George Williams (2 for 17) and young tearaway Liam Coombes, one of the quickest young bowlers in the country — runs became incredibly hard to come by.

Soloman Nash wrapped up the innings with an effective six-over spell, claiming 2 for 10 and cleaning up the tail. Jeffreys was the only batter to occupy the crease for any length of time, crafting a gritty 38 off 69 balls. Wanderers were all out for 113 by lunch, with Seddon firmly in control at the innings break.

Following a sit-down lunch in the Norwood Room — attended by all players, their parents, and special guests including Wanderers life members Bryan Waddle (also President of Cricket Wellington) and Evan Gray (also a member of Seddon CC), along with Cricket Wellington CEO Todd Bryant — Seddon openers Rueben Carter and Richie Gemmell strode confidently to the crease.

Tyler Duncan and Tom Bracewell took the new ball, with Bracewell delivering an energetic six-over spell from the RA Vance end. Though he found the edge on several occasions, luck wasn’t on his side.

Some sharp fielding from Luca Grace and, in particular, Lewis Jeffreys inside the circle kept the pressure on, but Carter and Gemmell punished anything loose, sending it to the boundary with ease. Spin was introduced, and it was Leo Bridgman who broke the opening stand — Gemmell out for 32, caught by Jackson.

At 93 for 1 after 17.3 overs, Seddon were cruising. Henry Lock then replaced Lucas Henderson and struck quickly, removing first drop Van Zyl with a well-judged catch on the boundary. But the day belonged to Seddon, as Rueben Carter sealed the win in style, lofting Lock over extra cover for a classy six to finish the match.

As the teams shook hands, the post-match presentations took place in the newly named Trish McKelvie Lounge, attended by many supporters. The day’s prize, the Marshall Family Cup, was presented to winning captain Soloman Nash.

This cup now adds a layer of excitement to every fixture between the Wanderers and Seddon Cricket Clubs, becoming a symbol of friendly rivalry and pride. Whether it’s juniors, seniors, or schoolboys, every time our two clubs meet, the Marshall Family Cup is up for grabs — across all levels of the game.

What made this occasion even more special was that the Wanderers XI was coached by Hamish Marshall and the Seddon XI by his twin brother, James — a fitting tribute to the family name and the spirit of the contest.

The Wanderers would like to extend their sincere thanks to Seddon Cricket Club and their travelling supporters, with special appreciation to Kent Currie, James Marshall, and Esther Williams for their efforts in making the day such a success.

Experiences like these for our young players would not be possible without the generosity of our partners, with this fixture proudly supported by the Norwood Trust.

A special thanks also goes to Jasmine Bailey for her outstanding organisation behind the scenes, helping to make this a truly memorable end to another successful season for the Wanderers Cricket Club.