Wakatipu Cricket Team Advances to National Finals with Historic Win

The Wakatipu First XI cricket team has achieved a remarkable milestone by qualifying for the national finals of the First XI Cup, set to take place in Lincoln next month. This achievement follows their impressive victories over Dunedin schools, including John McGlashan and the long-standing favorites, Otago Boys’. The team secured a six-wicket win against Southland Boys’ in the regional final, marking a significant moment as Wakatipu becomes the first school from the Otago Country catchment to reach the national stage.

This advancement suggests a potential shift in the cricketing landscape within the region. Wakatipu’s success is underscored by the emergence of talented players, including teenage seamer Mason Clarke, who made his mark in the previous season by participating in five T20s and two List A games for the Volts. His performance at the elite level indicates a bright future for the team’s prospects.

Another standout player, Hugo Bogue, has been making waves in the Dunedin club scene and played a crucial role in the team’s qualification. Bogue scored an impressive 79 runs in the upset against Otago Boys’ and contributed with two wickets in the regional final. Liam Clarke, Mason’s younger brother, and captain Angus O’Neill, who top-scored in the regional final with a vital 43 runs, are also players to watch as the team prepares for the finals.

Coach Optimistic About National Finals Challenge

Wakatipu First XI coach Walter Clarke, who is not related to Mason and Liam but is the father of player Conor Clarke, likened his team’s position to that of an underdog in a horse race. “It’ll be a huge step up for us,” Clarke stated. “No, we won’t be the bookies’ favourite, but we’ll certainly be worth a punt for an upset. We’ll be like one of those roughies at the Melbourne Cup. But cricket does seem to be one of those magical games where, on the day, anything’s possible.”

Reflecting on the win against Otago Boys’, Clarke noted that Wakatipu scored 151 runs, which “never seemed like enough.” He explained that having runs on the board created pressure, leading to mistakes from the opposition. Ultimately, Otago Boys’ were bowled out for 122 runs, with Bogue taking four wickets for 22 runs. The performance of bowlers Toby Gallie (three wickets for 31 runs) and Toby Mawdsley (two wickets for 19 runs) added to the team’s success.

The regional final against Southland Boys’, originally scheduled for March 2024, faced delays due to heavy rain, but was successfully played earlier this month at Molyneux Park. Southland Boys’ were unable to withstand the pressure, being bowled out for just 89 runs. Wakatipu faced some challenges during the chase but ultimately secured victory with relative ease.

As the Wakatipu First XI prepares for the national finals, anticipation builds around their potential to surprise opponents and make a mark on a larger stage. The team’s determination and the talent of its players suggest that they may be ready to challenge the status quo in New Zealand cricket.