Photos of the day and match report:

On Friday 30 January, the 1st XI lost to a strong Old Collegians XI captained by OC James Marshall. On a beautiful summer's day, the OCs elected to bat first on a fantastic surface. The OCs were swiftly on the back foot as both openers were dismissed cheaply thanks to a fiery opening spell from Nikau Henwood. However, a third-wicket partnership of 112 runs between former Black Cap Hamish Marshall (85) and ex–1st XI captain James Bamford (67) laid the foundation for a challenging total of 202 for the 1st XI to chase in their allotted 40 overs.

The Old Collegians' opening attack of Finn Priddy and Ant Bullick set the tone early, bowling with an excellent line and length that challenged the 1st XI top order. This, along with smart field placements, meant runs were hard to come by and, as the required run rate increased, wickets began to tumble. A sixth-wicket partnership of 51 between Ed Mitchelson (27) and Malcolm Barrow (21) wrestled back some momentum and briefly looked threatening until Barrow was caught in the deep off the bowling of Tom Lindberg (4-37), who bowled exceptionally well.

Despite the disappointing loss and the OC winning back the prestigious Marshall Cup, the match provided valuable learning opportunities for the 1st XI. Having a front-row seat watching a former Test player build a majestic innings, alongside seeing how an experienced bowling unit set up batters and execute plans accurately, will no doubt aid the 1st XI's continued development.

2026 Old Collegians Team: James Marshall (Capt) (Selwyn, 1996-97), Morgan Tapper (St. John's, 2020-24), Hamish Marshall (Selwyn, 1996-97), PJ Cairns (Marsden, 2003-04), Jack Hernon (Selwyn, 2020-24), Jimmy Bamford (Major, 2019-23), Tom Boucher (Greenbank, 2021-25), James Wilson (Greenbank, 2018-22), Ant Bullick (Peart, 1999-2003), Tom Lindberg (Greenbank, 2018-22), Nick Bullick( Peart, 1993-97), Finn Priddy (Marsden, 2020-24), Jonathan Davison (WK) (Marsden, 1994-99)

The fixture was followed by a well-supported Cricket Supporters Club Gala Dinner that evening in the student dining hall. Old Collegians, parents, staff, and supporters were treated to entertaining speeches and stories from guest speaker Shane Bond and Black Cap panellist's Hamish Marshall, James Marshall, Dipak Patel, and Mohammed Abbas. Old Collegian and current Black Cap Mohammed Abbas flew up from Wellington specifically for the dinner, and it was heartening to hear how his recent experiences both in and out of the classroom during his time at the College have helped shape him as an individual and enabled him to pursue his dream of becoming an international cricketer.

Old Collegians XI — 202/7 (40 overs) Hamish Marshall 85 (65), James Bamford 67 (107), Tom Boucher 26* (29) Nikau Henwood 2–15, Aekkem Sarao 2–51
King's 1st XI — 136 all out (32 overs) Ed Mitchelson 27 (18), Malcolm Barrow 21 (18) Tom Lindberg 4–37, Tom Boucher 2–9
Result: Old Collegians won by 66 runs. 

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