to download - Part 2 - Wellington Cricket

Wellington Wanderers
The sun has set on the 64th season for the Wanderers Cricket
Club. The past season has seen the Wanderers play their
traditional fixtures against the College First XI’s, play their
fourth annual Governor General’s match against the Colleges
XI, this time at Wellington College, and in a change from the
past seen the introduction of a T20 tournament for College
First XI’s.
The Governor General’s Colleges XI match resulted in a win
to the Governor General’s XI by 8 wickets. The Wanderers
made 183-8 in their 40 overs with Mark Houghton making a
composed 59 and Ervin McSweeney and Jason Wells both
getting to 20. In reply the Governor General’s XI raced to the
target in 34 overs with Nick Ward making 59 and Sam Lawson
70*. The day was very successful and it appears more and
more certain that the average age of the Wanderers XI will
have to come down to be competitive against the college
boys.
The club organised a T20 tournament for the College First
XIs. This was made possible through the assistance of John
Hornal and Tracey Devereux at College Sport Wellington, the
hospitality of Taita District Cricket Club who, led by Dave
Gillespie, took ownership of the event as a club project and
provided the man-power over the two days of the tournament,
and Karori Cricket Club who provided the umpires. Thanks
must also go to the Norwood Foundation who were very
generous in their sponsorship of the event.
The teams played for the “Hunt Family Trophy”. This
magnificent antique sterling silver trophy was donated by
Wanderers’ member Sir Patrick Goodman. The Hunt family
played a major part in the formation of the Wanderers Club
over 60 years ago when Wyvern (Bill) Hunt and several others
conceived the idea of a Wanderers Cricket Club to play
matches against College XIs. Sir Patrick Goodman captained
the St. Pat’s Silverstream First XI against the Wanderers in
that inaugural season. On leaving college and completing his
studies Sir Patrick had as his first employer Bill Hunt. That
relationship formed all those years ago is still strong today.
Eight Colleges (Aotea College, Paraparaumu College, St. Pats
Town, Rongotai College, Tawa College, Wellington College,
HVHS and Hutt International Boys School) entered the two
day tournament played at Fraser Park. Each team played four
matches over the two days with HVHS and HIBS winning
their way through to the final. The final was played as a
curtain raiser to the Wellington Firebirds v Otago Volts match
played on the Basin in January. This was a huge occasion for
the two schools to be able to play on the Basin in front of
paying spectators. The match was finally ruined by rain and
the trophy was shared by HVHS and HIBS. For the record
HIB’S made 87-7 in 18 overs and in reply HVHS were 29-1
after 6 overs when the rains came.
The past season saw the 50th Test match played at the Basin
and Cricket Wellington and New Zealand Cricket celebrated
this occasion in fitting style. Life member Bill Hunt may
be the only person (apart from the late Eric Tindill) to have
seen every Test played on the Basin. Bill was asked by New
Zealand Cricket to present the caps to the New Zealand side
prior to the Test against Pakistan. He was honoured to do this
and was there every day to see New Zealand do battle for the
50th time on the Basin Reserve.
In addition to the matches played Wanderers again hosted
two pre-Test breakfasts, a cocktail party with guest speaker
Joe Bennett and a golf day at Manor Park.
Wanderers would also like to offer their congratulations to
Club member Alan Isaac in his new position of Vice President
of the ICC. Alan has made and continues to make a huge
contribution to International Cricket, Domestic Cricket and
Club Cricket through his association with his beloved
Johnsonville Cricket Club where he is a Life Member.
Wanderers are indebted to Gavin Larsen and the staff at
Cricket Wellington who support the club in their aims to
foster college cricket.
As the sun sets on one season it rises on another and
Wanderers look forward with anticipation to another summer
of cricket.
Evan Gray,
Wellington Wanderers Cricket Club.
Roscoe Pricemoor (HVHS) facing Iain
McPeake (HIBS) with Hayden Blucher
(HVHS) the non-striker
Bradley Chin (HIBS) and Roscoe Pricemoor
receiving the Hunt Family Cup from
Wyvern Hunt
Cricket Wellington Inc Annual Report | 77