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Just two years after rejoining the Rodney Cricket Association, Tomarata Cricket Club has won the 2022 40-over Waitemata Cup championship after beating a strong Kaipara Flats side on Saturday, May 19.
Tomarata, known as the Camels, were tied in equal first place with Wellsford before the home match started and team member Matt Taylor said everyone knew it was a must-win game for them to take the title.
“We had to win quite convincingly against Kaipara Flats to guarantee a win on net run rate, and we managed to do it with a great nine wicket victory,” he said.
Camels captain Luke Wiseman won the toss and elected to bowl against a side that included several talented batsmen from Kaipara Flats’ premier side. However, they were no match for the Tomarata attack, with “Rooter” Stephens taking four wickets for 11 runs, Glen Irvine three for 20 and the Kaipara team all out for 70.
Camels opening batsman Sage Walters-Hansen obviously decided to go all out and smashed his way to 50 in just 16 balls, finishing with 60 not out, including seven sixes.
“He played one of the all-time knocks of the season, carting every bowler who came his way,” Taylor said. “The sixes weren’t just clearing the fence either, they were huge hits!”
The victory over the three other championship teams from Kaipara Flats, Wellsford and Pakiri was especially sweet as the Camels only recently returned to form after a few years in the doldrums. They rejoined Rodney Cricket Association two years ago, and last won a trophy more than 20 years ago. Taylor said one ex-player thought it was as long ago as 1998 that the team last won a championship.
“It was a great day’s cricket, a great afternoon, a great night and a great morning’s celebrating by all,” he said. “And I’d like to acknowledge the club committee, Rodney Painters & Decorators and Northern Foundations for their support and sponsorship, as they made it all possible.”
