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The Whangateau Rams Cricket Club has cemented its place in the Rodney Men’s Cricket Competition after winning tournaments in two formats this month.
The side was formed just two years ago and has won three of the four titles on offer since then.
The team finished the 40-over championship with nine wins in 14 matches and wrapped up the
Waitemata Cup T20 competition by beating Kaukapakapa Cricket Club in the final.
Rams captain Ray Beamish says his side was stoked to take out both titles.
“We played good all-round cricket throughout the season so it’s really pleasing to finish with the
right results,” Beamish says.
“Last year we lost the final of the T20 because our batting wasn’t good enough, but this time around we were strong from the crease.”
Beamish says that fielding and bowling was a focus in training this season and that paid off.
Meanwhile, the side’s top order batsmen were consistent in setting good run scores.
Jordan Kose proved a standout for the season. He was the third highest run scorer in the T20 and second highest in the 40-over competition, with 397 runs. Beamish claimed top spot in the 40-over competition with 475 runs.
Across both competitions, Jamie Thomas of Pakiri Cricket Club picked up best all-round player, followed by Kose and Willie Glasson of Kaukapakapa.
Rodney Cricket Association chair Kevin Forde says he was impressed by the Rams’ performance.
“The challenge they faced was proving that they weren’t one hit wonders after last season’s success, but they stepped up again and have set the standard for this competition,” he says.
This season marked the first time the competition had incorporated eight teams, with the addition of the Hibiscus Coast Cricket Club.
Forde says he is pleased with the new format and hopes after the post-season review Hibiscus will remain in the competition.
“I think we have a competition that really represents the Rodney region well. Looking forward, it would be great if we could include Mangawhai and Tomarata in the mix.
“This competition was once a two-horse race between Kaipara Flats and Pakiri, so it’s great to see about five teams all competing closely for the titles right to the end this season.”
He says the focus for the association over winter will be establishing a Saturday hard ball competition for juniors so that the pathway for Rodney cricketers to advance is complete.
“We need to find that next crop of young players who can transition to senior level so our men’s competition is sustainable and remains the success it is currently.”
