By Jake Beleski
Wairarapa College has made a decision that will bring a number of benefits to its leading cricketers.
The school has been accepted into the College Sport Wellington competition, and will take on the traditionally strong Wellington schools from term one next year.
Assistant principal Aaron Perkins said the decision to follow the school’s other sporting codes into the Wellington competition was a reflection of the talent at the school.
“The move has been made to ensure students get every opportunity to develop their skills against school teams of similar abilities.
“This enables cricket to align with all other major codes at Wairarapa College competing successfully in the wider Wellington region.”
He said it would enable the sport to continue to grow at WaiCol and build on previous successes, while also leading to increased enjoyment in playing the game and an increased likelihood of students continuing to play cricket for clubs when they leave school.
First XI coach Alistair Payne agreed the move was necessary to ensure players were given the opportunity to develop and excel.
“There is a real attraction for students to play against their peers and this is where we have seen our greatest success and achievements in recent times.
“It will also provide us with increased opportunities to educate our cricketers both on and off the field.”
The team will compete in the premier 2 competition, and has been guaranteed at least 50 per cent of its matches will be played at home.
There is automatic promotion and relegation across the College Sport Wellington grades.
