Take a bat, have a ball
31 Jan 2018
Searing heat and torrential rain may have made conditions difficult, but the players found their own pace and rhythm – and, as ever, there was much to enjoy at the annual Independent Schools Trans-Tasman Cricket Festival, held in Canberra from 18–25 January.
Now in its 20th year, the participating schools – Canberra Grammar School, Shore School, Sydney, King’s College, Auckland, and Christ’s College – use the festival as a social but competitive way to mark the new year.
Year 13 student Richard Turpie says it is great to get away and simply focus on cricket. “It’s key for us having this festival at the start of the season when a new team forms. Spending so much time together, going over different aspects of the games, chilling with your mates, is an ideal way to develop a strong team culture.”
College went up against Shore School for their first two-day game, which they lost by 10 wickets. Next they had a comfortable win in a one-day game vs King’s College, ably assisted by Richard who got 6 wickets for 22 runs. Rain affected play in their final two-day game against Canberra Grammar School – which was also punctuated by the novel experience of having to chase kangaroos off the field – and, although they came close to an outright win, the match ended in a draw.
“It’s all good experience, playing in different places, on different wickets, in different conditions,” says Richard. “The high heat really tested us, but we were able to work through that and play some good cricket. It was a fun time.”
Master in Charge of Cricket Stephen Dods says the boys gelled very well over the course of the week. “They all played extremely well and every boy had an opportunity to shine, playing a significant part in one or more of the games. They were excellent ambassadors for the school.”
