Year 8 cricket tourney gets thumbs up

Competitors on the field during the Otago District Year 8 Boys’ Festival at Hamilton Park last...
Competitors on the field during the Otago District Year 8 Boys’ Festival at Hamilton Park last week. Six teams of year 8 boys played for three days. PHOTO: GERRIT DOPPENBERG
The annual Otago District Year 8 Boys’ Festival was a smash hit last week, with lucky weather and even better cricket.

The cricket tournament was held on Wednesday through Friday, with six teams from all around the lower South Island playing at Hamilton Park in Gore.

Southland Cricket development officer Jack Hilton said the tournament went very well.

"It was really good, we had some really nice comments from coaches saying their teams had a great week.

"Every team managed to get a positive result. I think they all really appreciated the organisation and effort that went into hosting," he said.

Mr Hilton said the tournament caught a lucky break, as the weather allowed all teams to play on all three days.

"We had a pretty challenging week with the weather.

"Hamilton Park is a really awesome venue but since the record-breaking wet spring, it’s struggled with drainage.

"It’s basically meant this summer, whenever it’s rained there’s always been an issue.

"But to get through the whole week without cancelling was really pleasing and satisfying," he said.

Mr Hilton said the tournament was always a great way to send off the year 8 teams as they moved up a grade, and he was excited for next year’s tournament and the upcoming second half of the cricket season.

gerrit.doppenberg@alliedpress.co.nz