Wanderers XI Secure Narrow Victory Against Hutt Valley High Amidst Reunion and Remarkable Returns
In an exhilarating day of cricket, the Wellington Wanderers faced off against Hutt Valley High School in two closely contested matches. The Wanderers School Girls XI showcased their skills and team cohesion, securing a win against the Hutt Valley High School 1st XI Women under challenging overcast conditions. Meanwhile, the Wanderers XI celebrated a nostalgic reunion and a hard-fought victory against the Hutt Valley High School 1st XI Boys, where former players returned to the pitch to display their enduring cricket prowess. Both games not only highlighted the competitive spirit
Hutt Valley 1st XI Women 79/8 lost to the Wellington Wanderer’s School Girls XI 80/2
Despite initial doubts about whether the game would go ahead because of forecasted heavy showers, we were lucky to dodge the rain and play in breezy overcast conditions.
The Wanderers won the toss and elected to bowl, which proved to be a winning strategy. All of the players bowled well and effectively as a unit. Wickets were taken at regular intervals which kept the pressure on the HVHS batters. Best bowling figures went to Ashleigh Manks (two overs, one maiden, two runs, one wicket) and Ruby Conway (two overs, two runs, one wicket), with Emma Ward, Leilani Williams, Charlotte Ryan and Arna Dixit all taking a wicket each.
Although HVHS was a team made up of mostly young year 9 players, they were not to be underestimated. The HVHS opening bowlers Amelia Ferguson, Olivia Turner and Sasha James all had an economy of just 3 runs an over each and the fielders showed real determination to try and not let anything slip past them. Unfortunately, their low score ultimately proved too hard to defend. Kasey McCully retired on 37* runs and Arna Dixit retired on 19*.
Thankyou to HVHS for the great spirit in which the game was played - we know you will be an absolute force to be reckoned with in the next few years and look forward to seeing your development next year!
A massive thank you to the HVHS staff, coaches, supporters, scorers and umpires who helped us out. We can’t play these games without you.
Hutt Valley 1st XI Boys 140/7 lost to the Wellington Wanderer’s XI 150 by 10 runs.
Top three moments from the match included the reunion of former players after 20 years, Darren Cudby's consistent performance behind the stumps, and Richard Chatfield's impressive batting display, scoring 41 runs despite not having played cricket in over 12 years. Tom Robertson was also outstanding scoring an unbeaten 55 runs.
Overall, the match was a fantastic occasion, with the reunion of old teammates adding to the enjoyment both on and off the field. Anticipation is already building for next year's fixture, and sincere thanks were extended to everyone involved for making it such a memorable event.
