The recent cricket match between the respective Christchurch Boys High School Old Boys’ XI (CBHS) and Christ’s College Old Boys’ XI (CCOBA) teams is the fourth between the sides and is played every three years. The game is always keenly anticipated and the interest in the fixture continues to grow. In 2021, for the first time, we played for the Banks-Bailey Rosebowl a beautiful sterling silver trophy sourced from England and deservedly won by College on the day.
Having won the toss, School elected to bat. A light drizzle did not make bowling easy for College but they performed with great skill and a series of quick wickets including an unfortunate run-out saw School reeling at 5 for 44. Only opener Josh Taylor, 27, was able to get on top of the bowling. Hugo Davidson (captain) 4-15 was the pick of the College bowlers with able support from his cousin Rupert, and Lachie Harper.
There was no question that School was staring down the barrel of consecutive losses. School’s last hopes really centred on Tom Taylor and Todd Astle. Tom’s herculean efforts saw him put the ball over the ropes for 11 sixes (in his innings of 54) and Todd peppered the fence with 4s. A defendable total but far from a winning one.
Like School, College got off to a nervous start and found themselves in a great deal of trouble at 5 for 40 with Ryan Astle, 3-24, bowling superbly. He was very ably supported by Nick Smith, a very promising young fast bowler from last year’s CBHS 1st XI, and whose smooth action and delivery was a delight to watch.
You could be forgiven for thinking that School was about to close the game out. Rupert Davidson and James Thomson came to the crease and a series of lusty blows saw College start to close in on the 151 target. However, it was not to be. Todd Astle stepped up to the bowling crease and produced a master class, wonderfully supported by Colin Slade at the other end. The game slipped from College’s grasp, losing their last wicket at 128.
We look forward to our next encounter with College. The game was played with great sportsmanship, and with the trophy recording a game apiece there will be keen competition to see who can capture bragging rights in the future.
Our sincere thanks to President Scott Cartwright and the grounds team at the Valley, Ant Polson, Geoff Olsen and Derek Banks for producing a great wicket and superb surroundings. They are a site to behold.
Brent Bailey
Christchurch Boys High School Old Boys XI cricket team, 11 Feb 2024 – (Back L-R) Cameron Rattray, Tom Taylor, Simon Carter, Colin Slade, Nick Smith, Todd Astle, (Front L-R) Josh Taylor, Billy Georgieff, Phil Mc Kay (Captain), Sid Mowat , Ryan Astle
Christ’s College Old Boys XI cricket team, 11 Feb 2024 (Back L-R) Harry Sharr, Tim Seeto, Nick Gibb, James Thomson, Harry Peeters, (Front L-R) Rupert Davison, Hamish Falls-Anderson, Hugo Davison, Monty Rookes, Lachie Harper, Charlie Porter
