Cricket 1st XI 2010

It was a year of hard graft for the College's First XI as the team began a process of rebuilding after the loss of some outstanding year 13 players at the end of the 2009 season. With many young and new players in the team, trainings and games focused on building team unity and developing the skills that the team would require in later years.

Although the team was led by the highly capable Thomas Scott, the inexperience of the team counted against it and unfortunately the team experienced many hard fought losses. However, despite theses set backs - none more so disappointing than the thrashing the team received at The Willows - discipline at trainings remained high and the focus of the team should see some promising results in the 2011 season as the older members of the team find their niche.

Thomas Scott (captain): A fantastic all-rounder, Scotty led from the front and demanded excellence. Three 5 wicket bags and a brace of half centuries ensured that he will be sorely missed as he heads off to university in 2011.

Ben Laughton (vice-captain): A top order batsman and handy change bowler, Laughts dominated the short ball and his lofted drives were fantastic to watch. The form batsman of the season, a multitude of half centuries ensured that St Thomas' remained competitive in the grade.

Fraser Austin: An aggressive opening bowler, Fraser 'Freight Train' Austin, used his height and size to his advantage, staring down batsmen and dominating the inner circle. He is another player who will leave the team at the end of the year.

Mark Francis: A reliable opener and part-time wicket keeper, Mark was able to wear out a new ball. While his average may not have been great, his ability to survive the new ball was often uncanny.

John Strang: The self proclaimed Postman (because he always delivers) confounded opponents and coaching staff with his unorthodox mid-order batting style. His wristy flicks and drives saved the team from humiliation on more than one occasion and he finished the season with a top score of 83.

Jacob Laurent: Jacob worked through a year of difficulties and form problems to establish himself as a regular opening batsman for the team. While not an aggressive player, Jacob was able to frustrate bowling attacks and slowly build a total while rotating the strike amongst his partners.

Jeri Thompson: An aggressive late comer to the team, Jeri was never one to let a challenge go begging. While not a classical batsman, he worked hard to improve his defence and his big hitting baseball styled slogs were a privilege to watch.

Hamish Smith: A technically gifted top order batsman, Chippy will be a player to look out for in the 2011 season. His batting performance against St Kevin's College in bad weather ensured that the team retained the inter-school trophy.

James Agnew: A disciplined opening and mid-order batsman, James slogged his guts out to make the First XI and has worked hard to create his own niche and come out of the footsteps of his older brother Thomas. James will be a valuable player in 2011 and another player to watch out for.

Stephen Pilton: An unorthodox opening bowler, Pilts' inswinging deliveries confused and confounded many top order batsmen. Pilts will form a core element of the teams bowling attack in 2011.

Michael Walding: A very talented mid-order batsman who is still to reach his full potential. Michael stepped into the team in a positive fashion, falling just short of a half century the first time he appeared at the crease as a First XI player. An amazing catcher Michael is a danger in the field to all batsmen.

James Gillies: James asserted himself as a newbie to the team by blasting a host of Christchurch Boys High deliveries to cow corner and square leg for six. A hugely talented batsman and lethal opening bowler, Gillies will form a central component of the team in 2011.

Daniel Rawson: Danny came into the team following his promising form as a junior batsman, but very quickly asserted himself as a competent china-man. A hard working and disciplined junior member of the team, Danny will come into his own over the next few years.

Donovan Hutton: A good humoured glovesman with lightning fast reflexes, Donny spent half the season trying to convince everybody to let him bowl. Unfortunately for him, he was far too good a wicket keeper to chance anyone else with the gloves. Donny will blossom into a great batter once he leaves the good old 'down-ups' behind at action indoor where they belong.