A Historic First: Whanganui Collegiate Hosts Wellington Wanderers in Memorable Matches

Whanganui Collegiate hosted the Wellington Wanderers for the first time on Sunday 12 November in both Men’s and Women’s fixtures.

The Wanderers Men’s XI, captained by Hamish Marshall and featuring generations of Collegiate old boys, current Collegiate developmental players, and invitational players from across the Wellington region, batted first on the No 1 field. After a tight start from the Collegiate openers Charlie Mabin and Luke Bullock, the Wanderers got to 181 from their 40 overs after some clean ball striking by old boy and current Chairman of the Board, Jason Bowie, who finished with 85.  Collegiate began the chase in style through opening bat Tim O’Leary with a free flowing 57. Wickets began to fall before Angus Pearce stepped up with an important 36 not out to see the Collegiate 1st XI home 9 down in the 38th over.

 Over the road the Collegiate Girls 1st XI took on an invitational Wanderers School side which had representation from eight schools. The team was fantastically led by year 13 student Jo Wawatai of Tawa College. Some notable performances from the Wanderers Girls were Millie Newells 17no, Casey McCullys 3-3 in Game one, and Lani Williams quick fire 13, and Millie Newells 3-4 in game two. The Wanderers took victories in both T20s, but the cricket was fantastic, and the girls from both teams just enjoyed the opportunity to play at such a magnificent venue, and on freshly prepared grass wicket which is always a treat for those who play in the Capital City. Just look at the photos to see how much fun these girls had which makes this all worthwhile. Thank you, Bec’s Newell, for your outstanding organisation.

The Wanderers thank Collegiate for the fixture, all games played in a fantastic spirit as you’d expect, and the BBQ lunch bringing all four teams together, including their supporters was amazing. We look forward to touring to Whanganui again next year.