Players representing seventeen different high schools spread from Northland to North Otago assembled for this wonderful opportunity to match skills. The Seddon XI batted first. After the loss of three cheap wickets, the middle order of Cohen Stewart (Rotorua), Zac Laing (Whangarei) and Thomas Cutforth (Whangarei) batted well and retrieved the situation. They amassed a score of 197 runs. The Sydenham CC opening bowlers of Cadell Durdin and Potiki Hamilton-Morrison were tight and economical in their spells. Potiki, a strong local lad, struck early and deserved his three wickets. Later, Harry Passenger chimed in with a 3-fer. The Willows chased down the total for the loss of seven wickets. Opener Jack Kelly (St Kevin’s) top-scored with a tidy half century and useful contributions with the bat came from Harry Passenger, Jake Wilson (Shirley BHS), Jesse Jones (CBHS) and Thomas Borcoskie (St Bede’s).

The match was enhanced by having two former Black Caps and Northern Districts stalwarts in Matthew Hart and Mark Bailey travel down with their team and offer help and encouragement to all involved.