BRIGHT START TO THE SEASON AS SYDENHAM TEAMS SHINE ACROSS THE GRADES – 11 OCTOBER 2025
There was no need for the usual first-day excuses of “rustiness” when, after last week’s washout, the sun literally shone on most of the Club’s teams on the opening day of the season.
Both the Premier Men and Women started with convincing wins. The women’s match was over inside 13 overs after one of those classic early-season collapses, with Stella Cornelius the destroyer — taking an extraordinary 6 wickets for just 5 runs. For the men, a strong all-round performance with both bat and ball sealed the result over Riccarton, highlighted by Chad Bowes’ typically aggressive half-century.
Stella Cornelius
The most dramatic finish of the day came in the Championship match, where the boys clinched victory with a final-ball run-out at Riccarton Domain. Although the Division 2 side started with a loss, there were promising signs from several newcomers.
The afternoon grade teams also enjoyed a successful start, with only two losses across eight matches. The Div 4 Goats had Joe Taylor’s unbeaten 77 to thank for their win, while in Div 5, Mark Flowerday’s four wickets and an opening stand of 100 from Tom Elliot and Jacob Koster set up another strong result. In the Masters grade, Kelvin Scott (79) and Paul Rapley (87)* combined in a match-winning partnership against Merivale Papanui at Centennial Park, while the Hospital side had the bye.
Another highlight came from the newly formed T20 Gujarat Kings, who celebrated their debut match for the Club with a win.
It was a similar story in the Youth section, where the 1st XI, fresh from their preseason tournament in Napier, began with an impressive win over the St Bede’s 1st XI on Sydenham 3. The local derby between the 2nd and 3rd XIs saw the 2nd XI come out on top, led by Sam Macdonald’s 62. The Year 10 Boys, inspired by the youth performance of the day from Luke Griffith (6–14), defeated NW Youth, while the Year 9A’s opened their season with a strong team win over a new Riccarton side which is great to see now competing in the youth grades.
All in all, a fine start to the new season with strong performances across the board and plenty of early-season promise.
Some of the photos in this publication are also courtesy of Ash Hart’s Hartland Images.
Premier Men
Riccarton 135 Sydenham 136-2
With the first day of the two-day round abandoned last week, Riccarton’s visit to Sydenham saw both sides forfeit their respective first innings and focus on an outright result. Early-season tosses often prove crucial, and Mitch Gardner’s correct call to bowl first turned out to be decisive. Although the wicket played well, there was assistance for the bowlers through the morning, both off the pitch and in the air, despite fine overhead conditions.
Tom Agnew
The conditions suited Tom Agnew perfectly. He set the tone early, claiming the first wicket with a slick stumping by Aarush Bhagwat standing up. Later in the same over, he produced a superb in-swinging yorker to remove the new batsman, Kemmett, leaving Riccarton reeling at 8–2. With Gardner, Archie Goodrick, and Jackson Hemingway—back from a season in Wellington—all maintaining pressure and picking up wickets, Riccarton struggled to find momentum. Cole McConchie and Ethan O’Donoghue steadied things briefly, taking the score close to 50 before McConchie was dismissed to a sharp catch at cover by Sydenham debutant Matt Tromp.
Matt Tromp
Jemmett and Lancaster tried to mount a lower-order recovery with the score at 85–7, but the return of Tromp ended any hopes of that. He removed Lancaster and then claimed two more wickets to wrap up the tail, finishing with 3–14. Agnew also finished with three (3–30), while the rest of the attack chipped in for a strong collective effort to dismiss Riccarton for 135.
Chad Bowes
The Sydenham reply was dominated by Chad Bowes, who raced to a half-century (58 off 26 balls) with his trademark mix of elegant straight drives and powerful leg-side hitting. He was well supported by Michael Robinson (17 off 38), who played his part smartly while Chad went on the attack. When both fell with the score at 78–2, Ryan Wallace and Aarush Bhagwat ensured there’d be no Riccarton comeback. With the pitch now benign, the pair added a run-a-ball partnership of 58 to see Sydenham home in the 20th over—Ryan finishing unbeaten on 21 off 29, and Aarush 35 off 29.
Aarush Bhagwat & Ryan Wallace
A strong first-up win for the boys in what’s always a hard-fought contest between these two sides. Next week brings another challenge, up against last season’s champions, Burnside West, at Sydenham 1.
Thanks to umpires Mark Wood and Andrew Moulton
Full scoreboard & video highlights: https://live.nvplay.com/nz?tab=m_scorecard#mc7abfc58-dfb9-41b3-ab45-89812f6168b3
Birdwood Café Premier Women
OBC 19 Sydenham 20-1
Our Premier Women delivered a clinical performance in Round 2, cruising to an eight-wicket win in just 5.5 overs. The match was marked by standout debuts from Hannah Kidd (from Pleasant Point Cricket Club), Stella Cornelius, and Maddie Wright.
With the ball, Stella Cornelius was electric, claiming 6 wickets for just 5 runs off 3.5 overs, including a maiden. Her pace and accuracy dismantled the opposition’s batting order, with four bowled dismissals highlighting her dominance. Boadicea Lynch provided excellent support, taking 3 wickets and maintaining pressure throughout her spell.
Stella Cornelius
In the field, Sydenham’s energy was epitomized by a sharp run out involving Shizuka Miyaji, Stella Cornelius, and Hannah Kidd. With both batters stranded at the same end, Shizuka’s throw from the deep reached Hannah at the stumps, who quickly relayed the ball to Stella at the bowler’s end to complete the dismissal.
Bo Lynch
Behind the stumps, Hannah Kidd impressed with her glovework, taking a clean catch and showing composure throughout her debut match. Maddie Wright also settled in well, contributing in the field and bringing energy to the side.
It was a dominant outing for Sydenham, with the debutants playing key roles in a comprehensive team performance.
Championship
Syd 218 Riccarton 215
The Championship side opened their season in thrilling fashion with a last ball outright win over Riccarton at Riccarton Domain. With the first day abandoned, both teams forfeited their first innings, turning the match into a one-day battle for outright points.
Nathaneal Paltridge
After a short delay, Sydenham lost the toss and were asked to bat first. The openers made a strong start, racing to 35 without loss after just six overs. Riccarton then hit back, claiming three quick wickets — including Nathaneal Paltridge for 23 — to even things up.
From there, Akshan Gulati and Tom McDonald steadied the innings with a composed partnership, rebuilding the momentum through positive stroke play. Tom finished on 89 from 107 balls and Akshan 49 from 91 with their efforts lifting Sydenham to a competitive total of 218 – that left around 50 overs in the day for Riccarton’s chase.
Akshan Gulati
As the temperature climbed, the pitch dried out and began to take turn — setting up a tough test for both sides. Sydenham’s opening bowlers applied early pressure despite the short boundary, before Benji Bell (18-4-85) and Mackenzie Thomson (15-4-30) swung the contest back Sydenham’s way with outstanding spells, each taking four wickets.
Jack Smith
The tension peaked in the final overs, with Riccarton needing just 10 runs from the last two overs with one wicket in hand. Mackenzie bowled a crucial maiden to set up a dramatic finish. That left Benji with the final over — and with four required from the last ball, the batter lofted one to long-off. Cullen fielded calmly as the batters scrambled for runs, and a composed throw to the bowler’s end saw a slight fumble and run-out to seal the win.
A nail-biting finish and a fantastic way to start the season for this new-look Championship side.
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/cmca-adult-summer-202526/mens-championship/game-centre/4c59ec9f
Division 2
Match report courtesy of Todd Ward
Richmond 183 Sydenham 142
After winning the first toss of the year, we decided to put Richmond in to bat on a soft green top. Ivon (22 for 1 from 10) and Isaiah (7 for none from 8 opened the bowling beautifully and used the pitch to our advantage. Runs were hard to come by, and by the time the first wicket came courtesy of Nathan (55 for 3 from 17), Richmond was scoring at less than 2 an over after 16 overs. From there, the grind continued as Nathan operated nicely from one end and it seemed like Richmond were to bat most of the day. However, tidy spells from Adi (33 for 2 from 7) and Tanhirdaypal (29 for 4 from 5) saw the middle and lower order fall as they looked to up the run rate. We bowled Richmond out for 183 in the 55th over.
Our chase didn’t start ideally, losing an opener in the first few overs. That brought me to the crease to join Adi and we tried to anchor the innings and get us some momentum. After a few cracking drives Adi was looking in good touch and it seemed that if he could hang around with enough support we were going to cruise to 184. Unfortunately the wickets started to fall and 55 for 1 became 60 for 5. A couple of decent partnerships saw us keep the scoring moving with Ajith making a handy 28. But when Adi was dismissed for a well made 56 we were in all sorts of trouble. Ryan fought hard for his 25 not out and for a moment with just the 5 overs left and 1 wicket in hand it looked like the draw was in reach. However the last wicket fell and we were all out for 142 after 48 overs.
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/summer-202526/mens-division-2-red/game-centre/d8f8226d
Division 3 Tamils XI – WON
Match report courtesy of Chidambaram Parthipan
Sydenham 155 Lancaster Park 122
Sydenham Tamils vs Lancaster Park Raptors Venue: Sydenham CC Park
Tamil Pasanga kicked off the 2025/2026 season with a bang! After losing the toss (honestly, who needs luck?), they posted 154 runs in 38 overs. David (33 runs) and Jags (32 runs) were the real MVPs, batting like they had something to prove—probably because they did. Gopi (20) and Parthipan (19) added respectable contributions while the rest of the batting order played the classic game of “how quickly can I get out?” All out? Yes. Embarrassing? Not really. Enough to win? Absolutely!
When Lancaster Park came to chase, they ran into a bowling attack that was absolutely unhinged in the best way possible. Niranjan claimed 3 wickets with leg-spin magic, making batsmen question their life choices. Chidambaram (2 wickets in 8 overs) bowled so economically the opposition thought they were playing in a library, while Raavan’s (2 wickets in 6 overs) outswing had batsmen dancing like it was a Bollywood movie. Jags grabbed 2 more wickets because he’s apparently not tired of winning, Parthipan chipped in with 1 wicket, and Vignesh and John did their bit keeping things tight. Wicket-keeper Dinesh executed a brilliant runout to top it all off. Final score: 122.
Enough said. David rightfully earned Man of the Match—not just for his runs, but for playing through an injury like a true legend. However, here’s the reality check: catches win matches, and our fielding needs serious work! Time to ditch the casual vibes and get serious about practice. Regular drills, catching sessions, and ground fielding work are now non-negotiable. Because honestly, even great bowlers cry when catches go begging. With this winning start and a commitment to sharp fielding, Tamil Pasanga is ready to dominate the 2025/2026 season!
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/cmca-adult-summer-202526/mens-division-3/game-centre/e1d01ccf
Division 4 Goats – WON
Match report courtesy of George Wigley
New Brighton 139-9 Sydenham 140-4
Sydenham Division 4 Goats secured a convincing win against New Brighton at Centennial 2, propelled by Joe Taylor’s magnificent 77* that sees them top the Division 4 table after the first round of matches.
After arriving at Bradford Park early we discovered the league posts were still up which led to some hurried boundary alterations. Jon won the toss and had no hesitation in inviting Brighton to have first use of a green pitch. The Goats’ bowlers put in a disciplined performance, restricting the opposition effectively and taking crucial wickets. The attack was led by Chris Douglas who was outstanding with 3 wickets, making him the standout bowler of the day. He received excellent support from Geordie, who chipped in with 2 wickets. Patrick, Ollie, Jon, and George each contributed with 1 wicket apiece, ensuring that the pressure was maintained throughout the innings and no significant partnerships could flourish.
Tony Danenberg and Joe Taylor
Chasing the target, the Goats’ innings was anchored by a magnificent performance from Joe Taylor who put on a superb display of batting, scoring an unbeaten 77*, SR 70. This chance-less innings showcased power and precision, guiding the team effortlessly towards the target. Support came from George, who contributed a valuable 36 runs off 39 balls. Earlier, Tony chipped in with 10 runs, and Geordie added 8, but it was predominantly Joe’s masterclass that ensured a comfortable chase.
George Wigley
The victory was a testament to both the Goats’ disciplined bowling and the controlled innings from Joe, securing a comprehensive win. This strong start places the Sydenham Division 4 Goats at the top of the ladder, a far cry from our 0 from 5 start to last season.
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/cmca-adult-summer-202526/mens-division-4/game-centre/a8f395d0
Division 4 Royal Challengers – LOST
Burnside West 125 Sydenham 31
Sydenham played Burnside West at Warren Park. Burnside won the toss and elected to bat first on the artificial wicket.
Sydenham started well and took some early wickets which enable them to contain the opposition to 125 runs in 32 overs. Aasif, Amrinder and Tushar were the pick of the bowlers, especially Aasif who took four wickets.
However, the Sydenham batting collapsed in reply after two wickets fell in the first over. The Burnside opening bowler was swinging both ways and hitting the deck hard and the batsmen struggled against him as he went on to take six wickets. Sydenham had slumped to 15-9 before the last batsman, Siva, contributed some runs, but were eventually all out for 31 runs in the 22nd over.
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/cmca-adult-summer-202526/mens-division-4/game-centre/3ff72c5f
Division 5 All-Stars – WON
Match report courtesy of Abe Atherton
SDCC 140 Sydenham 141-4
The Sydenham Division 5 All Stars took on SDCC Nepal United in fine conditions at Waltham Park #1. Nepal United won the toss and elected to bat first, coming out with a positive attitude and scoring quickly through a few edges and attacking shots. Their momentum was halted when Tom Elliott struck early, with Atherton taking a sharp catch to make the breakthrough at 23.
The bowling attack proved disciplined and decisive, applying consistent pressure throughout the innings. Wickets fell regularly as Nepal United were bowled out for 140 in 34.2 overs.
- Mark Flowerday led the way with a superb spell of 4 for 26,
- Abraham Atherton backed up strongly with 2 for 17,
- while Tom Elliott (1–35), Jacob Koster (1–13), and Jashanpreet Singh (1–18) all contributed. Hatcher (0-24 from 6 overs) slowed their progress.
Catches were taken by Atherton, Ward, and Singh, with Koster and Ward combining for a well-executed run out.
In reply, the All Stars were clinical in their chase, reaching 141/4 in 23.3 overs.
Opening the innings, Tom Elliott led from the front with a blistering 55 off 36 balls (8 fours, 1 six) at a strike rate of 152.77, giving the side early momentum.
Vice-captain Jacob Koster provided a steady hand with a composed 48 from 59 balls, anchoring the innings through the middle overs.
Late contributions from Jaedyn Ward (12 off 19)* and Sumedha Senarathna (5 off 5)* guided the team comfortably past the target.
The All Stars’ combination of disciplined bowling and confident batting secured a comprehensive 6-wicket win.
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/cmca-adult-summer-202526/mens-division-5/game-centre/b826e673
T20 Cavaliers Cardinals – LOST
Match report courtesy of Adrian Patchett
Halswell 173-8 Sydenham 88-7
Sydenham Cardinals (77-8) vs Halswell Blazers (173-7) at Waltham Park #2
The Cardinals arrived at Waltham Park with an air of enthusiasm and confidence coming off their section 2 championship in the 2024/2025 season. The weather had turned it on (although windy) for the first time in a week 1 game in 100 years, the team had some flash new uniforms, and the beers were well chilled.
Halswell won the toss and elected to bat. The Cardinals openers Adrian Patchett and Nick Smithson bowled tight and had the Blazers 2/17 after 4 overs. However, any thoughts of gaining the upper hand in this match were short lived as the next partnership put on 72 runs. Debutant cardinal Fynn Wadsworth eventually broke this partnership to gain his maiden Cardinal wicket. At this point there were 10 overs to go and the Blazers had a solid platform to launch from. The wickets were spread out amongst the bowlers but were not frequent enough with the Blazers eventually scored 173 off their 20 overs.
The Cardinals knew this score was well above par and had their work cut out for them. Cam Rennell and James Stokes opened the batting where it was tough going in the first few overs. After James was dismissed Kieran Williams and Cam put on 36 and 29 respectively and were unlucky not to get their 40’s and retire. Unfortunately, the next highest score was 2 as the Cardinals limped to 77 all out.
Although well and truly beaten on this occasion there were some positives for the team to build on going forward. The team catching was solid with a special mention to Jeremy Ensor who took the catch of the season (thus far) with a ripper at mid-wicket.
T20 Gujarat Kings – WON
Match report courtesy of Yash Patel
New Brighton 88-8 Sydenham 89-6
What a start to the season! In our first match of the season, the newly formed Sydenham Gujarat Kings announced our arrival in style — securing a thrilling 2-wicket victory against a strong NBCC Battlers side!
Chasing a total, our batters held their nerve with Dhairya (32 off 23) and Deep (26 off 20) leading the charge and keeping the scoreboard ticking when it mattered the most. Their crucial contributions ensured we crossed the finish line with grit and determination.
With the ball, Smit and Dhaval shone brightly, each grabbing 2 wickets, applying pressure right from the start and setting up the platform for our win.
A fantastic all-round team effort to start the season with a bang!
A huge shout-out and heartfelt thanks to all our amazing sponsors for their continuous support:
- Lu Ding Kelvar Homes (Main Sponsor)
- Dhrumil Desai Photography & Films
- Domino’s Bishopdale
- Genesis Mortgage
- Apna Store Greens & Grocery
- e2e Computer Consultant
- Nectar IT Solutions
Your support means the world to us and keeps the Kings spirit alive!
Masters Cardinals – WON
Match report courtesy of Ammar Yousef
Merivale Papanui 205-4 Sydenham 209-3
The first game of the season came about on a hot and sunny day at Centennial Park and had the Cardinals up against Merivale/Papanui (MP).
James (Skip) won the toss and opted to field, which turned out to be the right choice, with the opposition started slowly, as is the norm on this wicket/pitch, which actually looked a lot healthier than last season. In MP’s first stint (of their batting innings) the bowling (Kelvin and Brownie opening) & fielding was extremely tight and of a high standard. There were two ‘half chances’ when Ammar had put down a very sharp catch, but saved a certain four, and Raptor Rapley shelled another sharp low chance in the covers. Raptor soon made amends by getting Bell (15) run-out with a swift bit of fielding (with Skip’s assistance as keeper). Our new recruit, Segar Gandhi, replaced Brownie, and after a hesitant start showed glimpses of what he’ll be able to offer this season with the ball in hand. Flem replaced Kelvin and started where he left off last season.
Kelvin Scott
MP, in Zwies & Hume started to increase the run-rate, after the drinks break. Jules, Phil (Weapon) and Marc Stevenson came in to bowl and all three had some good bowling stints, however, MP continued to increase their run-rate until Kelvin returned to have Gill (22) smartly caught behind by James, with the gloves. Weapon was unlucky to have Hume dropped at long on, and this enabled Hume to continue building on his impressive innings. Zweis (51) was then calmly caught, in the covers, by Kelvin off Marc’s bowling, and then the dangerous Browne (18) was bowled by the wily Flem. By the end of MP’s innings Hume had compiled a strong 85* and Van Grunsven 2*, with a total of 205.
Kelvin & Rapley opened the batting and Kelvin got us off to a great start with three 4’s in the first over, and this theme carried on throughout our batting innings, with Kelvin bludgeoning the bowling to all areas of the field and beyond, whilst Rapley contributed with a great supporting role, to start. After Kelvin had amassed 79 off 58 balls he slightly miss-timed one and was smartly caught in the deep, off Caprales’s bowling by Price.
Grant Ross
Kevin & Raptor’s opening partnership had got us to 104. Raptor then became the aggressor with Grant Ross filling in as the supporting batsman, and their partnership got us to 154 before Grant (15) played on (off the bowling of Browne) and Phil ‘Weapon’ Walker walked to the crease. Unfortunately, Phil was unable to get into his usual groove and he was soon bowled by Hume for 9. Skip (James) felt his knee was not a 100%, so he asked Ammar to step-in at number 5, and after hitting his second ball into the covers, Ammar ran for a single and halfway down the wicket, his hammy decided to give way, and he sadly was helped off the field, retired hurt for 1*.
This brought Flem in to bat, and he filled in superbly to support Raptor to enable us to get over the line. Flem scored the winning runs with a swashbuckling 4 through the covers. Flem ended on 12* and Raptor Rapley on a magnificent 87*.
Raptor was voted ‘man of the match’ and was presented The Flem, by Flem, as he was the non-striking batsman at the end of a batting innings win. We then shared drinks with MP who were very sporting throughout this first game of the season. Thanks to family and team-mates that popped down to support, and an honourable mention to Ralphy for also carrying out an umpiring stint.
Masters Hospital – BYE
Hospital’s start to the season was delayed by a first round bye
Women’s Division 1 Red – LOST
Match report courtesy of Linda Pettigrew
North West 260-5 Sydenham 69-9
Sydenham’s Division 1 Red side opened their Summer 2025/26 campaign with a spirited performance that reflected the heart and determination of a youthful squad. Bowling first, the team showed real fight against a seasoned batting lineup. Elsie Duncan led the way with two well-earned wickets, while Zoe Derry, Kyla Tilson, and Olivia McKenzie each chipped in with one apiece. The bowlers stuck to their plans and kept the intensity high throughout the innings, supported by energetic fielding and strong team communication.
Elise Dill-Russell
Chasing a challenging total, Sydenham’s batters faced a disciplined attack and were tested from the outset. Elise Dill-Russell top-scored with a hard-fought 10 runs, showing intent and composure at the crease. But it was Willow Ewing who truly embodied the team’s spirit—facing 38 balls and holding one end down with remarkable grit and determination. Her effort anchored the innings and gave her teammates confidence in a tough situation.
Though the final result didn’t go Sydenham’s way, the team left the field with heads held high. The coach praised their resilience and togetherness, noting the valuable experience gained and the promise shown. With continued belief and development, this young side is sure to grow stronger as the season unfolds.
Women’s Division 1 Blue– LOST
Match report courtesy of Linda Pettigrew
Lancaster Park/St Albans 112-6 Sydenham 110-3
Sydenham Div 1 Blue began their Summer 2025/26 campaign with a gutsy performance, narrowly missing out by just two runs in a tense finish. With half the team new to the grade, the side showed strong signs of cohesion and fight.
Kate Breitmeyer
Linda Pettigrew anchored the chase with a determined 36 off 81 balls, though her running between the wickets—especially turning ones into twos—proved costly. Millie Kinzett was composed under pressure, finishing unbeaten on 15, while Lily Hayston (15) and Kate Breitmeyer (14) added valuable runs to keep the chase alive.
Millie also starred with the ball, taking three key wickets in a tidy spell. The fielding effort was sharp, with excellent catches from Greer Hill, Millie, and Julia Manton. A standout moment came from Molly Harrison, filling in for the opposition, who took a brilliant catch that drew applause from both sides.
Despite the close loss, Sydenham’s performance was full of promise and sets a solid platform for the season ahead.
Youth First XI – WON
Match report courtesy of Allen Hill
St Bedes 89 Sydenham 93-4
Our first game of term 4 limited overs season saw the 1st XI back in the championship grade for the second time. Our pool for the first half of the competition in St Bedes 1st XI, Timaru BHS 1st XI, St Andrews 1st XI and Christchurch BHS 1st XI. Our first game on 11 Oct was against St Bedes College 1st XI at Sydenham #3. Building on an excellent pre-season tournament in Napier, where were able to sharpen up our team systems, skills and culture, the Youth 1st XI had a comprehensive win against St Bedes first up.
Bowler Noah Dean & wicketkeeper Al Derry who took four excellent catches
After winning the toss we choose to bowl first on a green grassy wicket which had some good assistance for our bowlers. On a warm and windy day, our bowlers bowled with skill and pace to create plenty of chances, although it was a challenge to keep the extras score under control. Opening bowlers, captain Cadell Durdin and Noah Dean, back in the 1st XI this week after a break in term one, applied plenty of pressure with Cadell picking up two early wickets and finishing with match figures of 4-23 off 8 overs. At the other end, first change bowler, Louie Harris, on debut for the 1st XI took two very important top order wickets with both catches well taken by Harry Durdin. Louie finished with 3-8 off 4.2 overs. The rest of the bowlers contributed quality spells, with Henry Hood economical as ever (0-18 off 8 overs), Quin Helms (1-15 off 3 overs) and Conway Andrews (1-7 off 2 overs) picking up a wicket apiece. Our fielding execution was excellent across the board with all catches being taken including a magnificent catch at second slip by Henry Hood. In the end we were able to dismiss St Bedes for 89 off 29.2 overs.
Fin Hill
Our batters started positively with Isaac Tutt and Fin Hill putting on 14 for the opening wicket partnership. A good contribution from Sam Johns saw us through to 38 before our 3rd wicket was lost. From there Jaxson Moinyhan and Al Derry worked hard together with an excellent 42 run partnership before Jaxson was out for 19 with only 10 runs needed for victory. Conway Andrews was steady at the crease before Al Derry finished the run chase with a fine six over wide long on, Al finishing on 27 not out. We ended up 93 for 4 after 24.1 overs, resulting in a 6-wicket bonus point win.
Harry and Cadell Durdin with their father and youth convenor, Paul Durdin. Harry’s promotion sees both brothers play together briefly until Yr 13 Cadell leaves at year-end.
This was an excellent start to our season, gaining a first ever victory over St Bedes 1st XI. The boys are looking sharp, and we are playing some great cricket. A good preseason is certainly paying dividends at this stage, although we must maintain our focus on high quality and consistent execution over the coming weeks. Thanks to all the parents who helped with putting on lunch for St Bedes and our players, and of course a huge thank you to Matt Bell whose coaching influence on our youth programme is crucial.
Youth 2nd XI – WON
Youth 3rd XI – LOST
Match report courtesy of Daniel Herd
Sydenham 2nd XI 254 Sydenham 3rd XI 174
The Sydenham 2nd XI claimed an 80-run win (and an important bonus point) in an all-Sydenham derby at the Hagley Polo Grounds – with strong all-round performances from both teams.
Batting first, the 2nds made 254 all out in 42 overs, led by captain Sam Macdonald (62 off 63), who combined power and control through the middle overs. Cameron Fairhall (38) and Archie Nielsen (20) gave the innings a lively start, while Leif Kitto (27) provided stability. The highlight of the back end came from Sam Wild (39 off 23), whose quickfire knock of three sixes pushed the total beyond 250. A credit to Daniel Barclay with his part-time bowling effort of 2/24 off six overs.
Sam Macdonald
In response, the 3rds were dismissed for 174, with notable batting performances from Eli Helms (46) and Neil Thakar (42), showing the depth of talent and spirit across the club. One of the two young Colts players on 1st XI grade debut, William Johns (3/15 off 8), led the attack and bowled superbly – knocking over the top three. The other Colts player, Kahn Stanbury, also enjoyed a good debut with his 9-over off-spin spell, where he only conceded 31 runs. With a few regular bowlers out of action, Macdonald, turned to a couple of unlikely bowling heroes. Fairhall (3/29 off 7) went through the 3rd XI’s middle order with his part-time meds and Will Herd (4/23 off 4.2) cleaned up the tail with his extremely part-time off-spin.
Daniel Barclay
The 2nds relished the tough contest — one that will serve them well as the season builds momentum.
Youth Colts – BYE
The Colts were another with a first-round bye
Youth Yr 10 – WON
Match report courtesy of Akash Patel
North West Youth 120 Sydenham 122-7
Great win by Sydenham year10 team against North West youth 10.Great to catch up with North West 10’s friendly boys and coaches
Excellent team work by all the boys as pitch was behaving really slow. Good decision made by captain Dylan to field first and restrict them at 120 runs with all out in 32 overs. Excellent bowling by all of the bowlers, Especially Luke Griffith who took 6 wickets. And Excellent batting demonstration by Om patel and Benny with 32 runs each.
As my observation we should work on fielding and try not to give too many wides and no balls.
Full scoreboard: https://www.playhq.com/new-zealand-cricket/org/christchurch-metro-cricket-associationcjca/2025/cricket-express-year-10/game-centre/315a9a87
Youth Yr 9A – WON
Match report courtesy of Mark Williams
Riccarton 150-8 Sydenham 151-3
Week 1: 11 Oct 25 v Riccarton at South New Brighton.
Win by 7 wickets
A “home” game saw us out in New Brighton under clear skies. Riccarton won the toss and elected to bat first. We started well with some tight lines and good fielding restricting the batters scoring options. The pressure told as first an opener went for 1 off 13 balls, and then the number 3 fell for 2, leaving the score at 27/2. A decent stand moved the total along towards 100 before we struck twice to have Riccarton 98/4. In the middle overs we did not capitalise on a couple of chances to dismiss the key batters. Riccarton’s total of 150/8 featured only 3 players in double figures and was greatly enhanced by our extras which were top scorer at 51. Will picked up 2 for 5 off 5 overs, whilst the other wickets were shared around.
Harvey snagged a caught and bowled, whilst Jonathan cleaned up the opposing skipper who was threatening a late flurry. The highlight of our fielding was an excellent run out by Stokesy. A slightly misjudged stop was snagged in 1 hand and then a direct hit sent the batter to the sheds.
As the afternoon heat intensified we begun our innings well. Adi and Aidan pushed the total to 31 with some good shots, although a crazy quick run did cost a wicket in grace period. After Aidan fell we pushed on and the when the 2nd wicket fell we had 63, with Tristan well caught. Scoring rate was a concern, but given the total being chased, and the large contribution by extras to our total (59) the target was always under control. Adi retired on 37 after playing the important anchor role upfront, soaking up overs from the better bowlers. Nathaniel also had to absorb plenty of pressure from the same bowlers.
Jonathan and Will brought the team home, although scoring was difficult late on. Will played some good shots to finish 27 not out. A feature his partnership with Jonathan was some good calling and excellent running between the wickets.
The work ons from this game were:
- Fielding: maintain energy in second half of the innings
- Bowling: many extras were given away, over 50. Bowlers to focus on bowling 6 legit balls per over. No wides and no balls.
- Batters: running between the wickets. We left 20+ runs out there due to not taking easy singles.
Extras and good running will be key in close games. Will skippered the team well. Adi was player of the game for his anchor role in the run chase. But as a first hit out of the season this was a good result. Thanks to Rob for scoring, and for all the parents who came to support us.
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