Paraparaumu College claim cricket honours
Close contest decided on run rate with four teams tied
The Paraparaumu College boys’ 1st XI, representing Horowhenua-Ka¯piti, are the proud holders of the Ross Taylor Bat.
The team won a closely fought finals day in Palmerston North.
“The Ross Taylor Bat is a special trophy for boys’ short format cricket donated by Ross Taylor himself — it’s the bat he used to score a Black Caps century against England at McLean Park,” a Central Districts Cricket spokesperson said.
“Schools within our six North Island district associations compete for the trophy with the six regional winners converging for finals day of 15-over cricket.”
This season’s six finalists were: Feilding High School (Manawatu¯), Whanganui High School (Whanganui), Hawera High School (Taranaki), Kuranui College (Wairarapa), Paraparaumu College (Horowhenua-Ka¯piti) and Taradale High School (Hawke’s Bay).
“Heading into the last round, two teams — Feilding and Kuranui — were unbeaten after two games, and were in the box seat to take out the title.
“But both schools were beaten in the final round, while Paraparaumu came through with a solid win against Taradale,” the spokesperson said.
“With four schools finishing with two wins, it came down to net run rate and Paraparaumu College won the Ross Taylor Bat for 2022.
“Great weather, plenty of runs and some competitive cricket were the order of the day.
“Congratulations to Paraparaumu College and to all teams on making it through to finals in a very close and exciting season.”