Whanganui Collegiate’s 1st XI cricket team showcased their dominance with a solid all-round performance, securing an 81-run victory over Wanganui Vet Services Marist. Central to their success was C. Rees, who played an exceptional innings, consistently finding gaps in the field with precision shots. Rees built a crucial 90-run partnership with J. Lithgow, who contributed 32 runs and looked to be regaining his form. Their teamwork laid the foundation for a competitive total of 235-7 against a struggling Marist bowling lineup.

Lithgow’s stay at the crease ended when he was bowled by Timothy O’Leary, a departing schoolmate, while Rees narrowly missed out on a well-deserved century. He edged a rising delivery from T. Redpath (2-49), with wicketkeeper Mark Fraser diving to take a superb catch. At 205-7, Collegiate seemed at risk of losing momentum, but A. Allpress stepped up with an unbeaten 26 from just 24 balls, steering the team to a strong finish.

Marist faced an uphill battle chasing the target and found themselves in trouble early on, with seven of their batsmen dismissed for single-digit scores. However, the spotlight was on Tim O’Leary, who played a stunning knock of 109 off 80 balls. Opening the innings, O’Leary fought valiantly, smashing five boundaries and ten towering sixes, including one that sailed over Collegiate’s hedges onto Liverpool Street. Despite his heroics, O’Leary ran out of partners as Marist folded for 154.

Collegiate’s bowlers were on point, with opening pacers Alex Whiteman (5-42) and Seb Dadic (2-42) leading the charge. They bowled to disciplined fields and limited scoring opportunities, converting potential boundaries into singles. Whiteman eventually claimed the final wicket, trapping O’Leary in front to seal the win.

In other matches, Property Brokers United T20 defeated Whanganui Collegiate’s 2nd XI by 40 runs. United posted 152-5, thanks to M. Pennefather’s unbeaten 51 and Z. Small’s 48. The Collegiate 2nd XI responded with 112-3, led by L. Stark’s 68, but fell short.

Matt Burke Engineering Marton Saracens cruised past Whanganui Schools with a massive 158-run win. Marton Saracens put up an imposing 249-2, featuring contributions from A. West (64) and O. McVerry (44). In reply, Whanganui Schools managed only 91, with L. Cox top-scoring with 37 as bowlers like C. Rayner (3-4) and O. McVerry (2-15) ran riot.

The Whanganui Renegades comfortably chased down Hunterville Hackers’ total of 138-5 to secure a seven-wicket win. J. Donaldson anchored the chase with a strong 59 runs, supported by N. Sherbone (33).

Richards Construction Marton Saracens fell to Wicket Warriors Whanganui in a low-scoring match. Saracens were restricted to 70-9 due to stellar bowling from L. Varghese (4-8). The Warriors chased it down with ease at 71-3, led by S. Tom’s unbeaten 28.

In another high-scoring encounter, Whanganui Marist T20 outplayed Whanganui Schools by 56 runs. Marist posted an imposing 227-5, with contributions from multiple batters, including an unnamed player who top-scored with 53. In response, Whanganui Schools managed 171-5, with N. Toy remaining unbeaten on 41.

It was a weekend packed with exciting cricket action, featuring standout individual performances and decisive team efforts across various matches!