HISTORY OF
TAITA CRICKET 1934 TO 2020
Look back in time. - Episode One
Taita Cricket Crickets first cricket team
competing in the B grade division Hutt Valley Cricket 1934/35
History of Taita Cricket- Chapter Two.
The end of war Taita Junior A team winners of
the Hutt Valley Junior A Competition 1944/45, Captained by G.E Spencer, the
President that year was E.A Beaumont.
History of Taita Cricket
-Chapter Three, the 1950s
Taita wins the Premier Competition "Wilford-Kerr Shield" for the
first time in our history. This win was repeated in the 1956/57 and 1958/59
seasons.
The stars of the team included
* Life member Barry Clarke who scored 4256 runs with 3 hundreds during his career
* Doug Urry [Dec Life Member]. Doug still holds the record of the most wickets
taken in a premier career 597, 86 more than Dave Little who took 511
* Ian Mason [dec] who scored 4977, the second
highest run scorer in our history behind Mark Houghton Ian was also selected
for the NZ Colts in 1958/59.
Jack Swaysland [Dec Life Member] who scored 4087
runs, and still holds the record for the highest score in a premier game 212 v
Petone
* Ian Therklson who played for Wellington over a number of years.
* In 1955/56 Ian Weeds set a club record of 91
wickets in the season playing for our fourth grade team
* Ian Mason [dec] who scored 4977, the second
highest run scorer in our history behind Mark Houghton
* Finally in 1959/60 the club celebrated 25 year
jubilee
A great decade for Taita Cricket
History of Taita Cricket- Chapter Four -1960s
* While no premier titles won in the 60's the
premiers finished 2nd 6 times
* Eric Meade won the Wright cup for the most
outstanding performance taking 9 wickets for 10 runs in 1965/66
* The subs were increased to $10 a player in 1966/67
* Taita Life Member Dave Stewart was selected for
the Hutt Valley second grade Rep team , he also the batting trophy for most
innings over 30 [9] in 1968/6
* In 1969 Taita won the prestigious Taita Six aside
tournament. The team included Doug Urry, Ian Schofer, Ian Therkleson, BD Smith,
Ian Mason and Ian Mackinnon
History of Taita Cricket - Chapter Five - 70's
Highlights of the 70's
* Ross Foss Fifth grade 10 wickets in innings 10 4
9 off 10 overs
* 1974/75 Premier team wins the Hutt Valley Premier
grade and the Intercity Competition
* Bruce Smith breaks Barry Clarkes record of most
runs in a season scoring 634 runs in 1975/76
*1979 Steve Woodward debuts at an international
umpire NZ V Pakistan at Napier
* Future Taita Stars of Taita Ron Ryan and Henry
Skipper are selected for the Wellington school boys team
* Future Taita stars debut for the premiers Peter
Lafferty, Ray Fawcett, Steve Bardon and Terry Martin, Paul
McNelis
* BREAKING NEWS- LAFS is awarded best trainer award
in 1977/78
* Bowling achievements Ian Schofer 4 4 27 v Petone
in 73/74
Kevin Rowley 8 4 72 also v Petone in 77/78, Jim
McCurley [Dec] 9 4 48 in 76/77
* First Barn dance in 1976/77
* Terry Fawcett midget of the year 1975/76
*Ray Fawcett selected for Wellington A 1979/80, in
that year our current Patron Ray Stott was Premier Manager
* Legend of Taita Cricket Doug Urry [Dec] who holds
the record of the most Premier wickets of 597, awarded life membership. Doug in
addition to on field exploits, had 9 years on the committee, 7 as president,
and 6 as HVCA Chairman
* Legend of NZ Cricket Don Hazlett [Dec] made life
member, 4 years President, 4 years vic president, 6 years committee, in addition
Don was chair of HVCA and NZC Juniors
* Legend of Taita Cricket Jack Swaysland [ Dec]
made life member, still highest run scorer in single innings by a taita player
212, plus 30 years on committee, 5 as chair and 5 as President
HISTORY OF TAITA CRICKET- CHAPTER SIX- 1980
-1985
Highlights of the era
* 1980/81 the seconds won the grade thanks to the
slow bowling pair of Laffs and Stan Linny, who both took 50 wickets, note they
were slow bowlers not spinners as neither turned the ball
* In the same year Murray Johns was the most promising colt
* In 1981/82 Henry Skipper and Ron Ryan made their
premier debut while still at school. This was Peter Lafferty
first full premier season
* Planning and fund raising for the new clubrooms [
out now old club rooms commenced
* 1983 Taita Cricket is 50 years old
* 1983/84 Phil Schofer selected to play for
Wellington Firebirds
* 1984/85 Dave Stewart scores a blazing 100 in 2A,
in the same year Lord Fawcett scored a 100 in the 3D grade
* In the same year Taita entered a women's team for
the first time and Jim McCurley took 81 wickets in the season
* Two new life members Barry Clarke, who in
addition to his on field exploits was President for 3 years , on the committee
for 10 years and club captain for 4 years . and George Ryan [Dec] George was
instrumental in getting our new clubrooms b built, he was president for 2
years, 5 years as chairman and 5 years on the committee
* The clubrooms opened on 18 August 1984
History of Taita Cricket - Chapter 7- 1985 to
1989
Highlights
* 1985 Henry Skipper selected in the NZ Under 19 team to tour Australia
* 1986/87 Taita brought to NZ, Andy Pick from Notts
as our first overseas professional
* Taita Reserves under the astute captaincy of Paul
McNelis won the Reserve grade
*1987/88 Premiers won the HVCA Premier grade under
the captaincy of Ray Fawcett
* Dave Gillespie
took career best figures of 6 for 27 v Epuni Cambridge
* Taita lost to Midlands St Pats in the one day
semi final at the Basin, a bus of taita supporters attended the game and drunk
the Catholics bar dry
*1988/89 Andy Afford left arm spinner Pro from Nots
took 50 wicket in the season
* In that same year, Taitas two best every no 10
and 11 batsman [ maybe not] put on an outstanding last wicket partnership of 11
to bet Hutt. The two batsmen were Dizzy and Andy Afford. Dizzy kept his promise
that if we bet Hutt [ his old club] he would burn is nylon tie in the changing
room. Black smoke for miles.
Rex Fairbrother escaped from Upper Hutt and joined
Taita and played for the Premiers
* Terry Fawcett scored a stunning 132 for Taita 4B
and Dave Stewart scored yet another 100, for the 4C in 1987/88 , This was
matched by a 105 by Chris Petter in the same year playing for the Reserves
* In the later part of this decade two Taita Supper
stars Phil Rodley that great Cantabrian and Peter Hogan debuted
for Taita
History of Taita Cricket- Chapter Eight - 1990 to 1995
Highlights
* Premier grade winners 1991, Andy Pick 52 wickets
*Winners of five grades in 91/92, Senior Reserve [men/women] 2A,2B,2D
*1992/93 Premiers win the grade
*1992/93- Taita had four womens teams, Trudy Jackman and Justin Fryer selected
for NZ Under 23
* 1994/95, Senior women win one day title for first time
* Dizzy 10 wickets in match including 7 for 9 in first innings v Upper Hutt for
2A
* Dennis Quirke, a
breath taking 111 for 2C v St Bernards
*1994/95, Keith Parsons
breaks club record of most runs in a premier season 667
* David Little debuts
for Taita straight from Naenae University
*1993/94- Taita had four women's teams, Trudy Jackman and Justin Fryer selected
for NZ Under 23
*1994/95 Testimonial season for Ray Fawcett- joined
Taita as a junior in 1965, Captain the premiers for 100 games, took 400 premier
wickets and scored 3828 runs., seven wicket in an innings seven times and fifty
wickets season twice
* Robin Randell [Dec] made Life member 30 Years Solicitor, 9 years on
committee, 19 years patron, Robin also was chair of the HVCA and bequeathed
funds to Taita Cricket to kick start the Robin Randell Trust
* Stu Briggs [Dec] made life member 12 years secretary, 2 years vic president,
school boy convenor 10 years
History of Taita Cricket -
Chapter Nine - 1996- 2000- update Paul Abbott's hundred for the reserves in
1996/97
Highlights
1995/96
Premiers won the intercity day night competition, betting Petone in the final, Keith Parsons
scored 95
* Anna O'Leary and Justin Fryer selected to play for NZ, FIRST Taita players to
represent their country
*1996/97 David Little selected to play for Wellington in Cricket Max and Sue Everson selected for NZ
under 23
* Paul Abbott an outstanding youngish cricketer from England scores his first
hundred for Taita Reserves
*1996/97 second year of intercity competiton with fourteen teams playing each
other over two years. After year one we were ninth, Prior to the start of the
96/97 season Lafs, Greg, Ray, Jim and Murray said they would let Ray Stott
shave their heads if we were 4th at Xmas. We were, off came the hair
* We went from 9th at the end of year one to 3rd at the conclusion of the 96/97
season, winning 13 of the 14 games in the season, the only loss was in the last
game, that had we won, would have given us the grade.
* Richard Morgan who came to Wellington to attend the Police college ;had some
outstanding performances, the best was his 9 for 43 v Onslow, he had attended
the Police graduation the previous night and game to the ground from the
function, he could hardly stand. When he batted he got a golden duck, then
turned it around with an outstanding bowling effort
*1996/97 second year of intercity competiton with fourteen teams playing each
other over two years. After year one we were ninth, Prior to the start of the
96/97 season Lafs, Greg, Ray, Jim and Johnny said they would let Ray Stott
shave their heads if we were 4th at Xmas. We were, off came the hair
*1997/98 Taita won the Reserve, 2C, 3A, Senior Women, and 1B Women's grade
* David Little selected to play for Wellington, Jonny McNamee was selected to play for NZ
Under 20 and was the young NZ player selected to spend a year at Lords, Francis
King was selected to Play for NZ A
* 1997/98 Anna Oleary scored 643 runs in a season from 15 innings a record for
our women team
* 199200 Taita gained promotion back into the Pearce cup after two seasons in
Hazlett, highlights Finbar Boyle Boyle 453 runs in the season, David Little 60
wickets in the season , this is a club record taking over from Doug Ury [Dec]
who to 59, it was great that Doug was present to congratulate Lits
* Phil Schofer made a life member, in addition to his cricket exploits Phil had
4 years as President, 9 as Vic President, 9 years on the committee,
History of Taita Cricket -
Chapter 11 2000-2005
Highlights
*Steve Gellatly scored brilliant 139 to keep Taita in Pearce cup in 200/01- Going into day two
of the final game Taita was in last place and following on at 69 4 5 v Varsity.
Steve put on a large partnership with Sam McGavin who
scored 84 in his first premier season , followed by a 50 from David Little to see
Taita through to 380 4 7, thus relegating Naenae to Hazlet
* Anna O'Leary scored on the way to scoring 589 runs in the season a womens
record
* Glen Schofer scored 125 v Petone in 2A
* Record for Taita 3A, EIGHT titles in a row
* 2001/02 season, a record opening partnership between Paul McNelis and Chris
Riley of 260 for the first wicket Chris scored 109 and Paul 120, the balance
were Pauls leg byes
* Taita Crickets third women international, Francis King joined Anna O'Leary in
the NZ Womens team
* Taita went international and appointed our first overseas coach in Christie
Van Dyke, Christie and Steve Teapa built and outstanding partnership coach and
captain
* in 2003/04 David Scott, joins Taita , formally of Petone, Daves copy book action and his experience provided
real assistance to a young Taita team, in the same year Mark Houghton joins
Taita from St Pats Silverstream commencing his long and illustrious career with
Taita
* 2004/05 Ash Newdick selected for the NZ Under 19 team
* Premiers finishing third in Pearce our best result to date,
* John Peters 165 and 85 v Upper Hutt
* In addition to Ash being selected for NZ Under 19, Mark Houghton and Ryan Webster
selected for Wellington A, Mark and Sam Sam McGavin selected
for Wellington Under 23 and Ash, Matthew Pepper
and Jordon Tew selected for Wellington Under 19
* Tom McHugh,Sam
Stephens and Shaun Gillespie
Jordon Tew and Zac Curtis debut for Taita straight out of Naenae University
* Cains Mason, scored 570 runs for the 2B, with a top score of 127, he also
topped the bowling aggregate taking 41 wickets
* in this same season the Taita Super 8 team brought up their six title in a
row, the batting star was Sue Moore and the bowling star Lynley Poole
* Life membership to Paul McNelis 10 years club captain 10 years on committee 4
years Vic President
* Life Membership Ray Fawcett 7 years on committee, 7 years club captain, 5
years Vic President
* Hazlett Winners 199/2000 including Pernel Watley, Tim Lewis, Eddie Binns Sam McGavin and Ivan
Wright Manager
History of Taita Cricket - Chapter 12- 2006-2010
Highlights-
* 2005/06
Jason Aekin sets a new Wellington lower grade record by scoring 258 v Upper
Hutt in a 40 over game, Taita scored 489 for 4
* Steve Gellatly scored an outstanding 144 at Taita chased down Easts 271 . Christian Taylor
started with the ball 4 for 20
* Zac Curtis in is first season at Taita scored 112 in the two day win v Jville
* Sam McGavin scoring maiden premier 100, getting 126 v Karori
* 2006/07 milestones for Taita Cricket, David Little
retires from Premier Cricket 500 premier wickets, 152 premier games. Sue
Everson-Pegg plays 150 premier game
* David Scott took 5 for 24 including a double hattrick v Onslow in Hazlett
* Anthony Crummy
scoring maiden 100 v North City 130 not out of 154 balls
* 2007/08 Mark Houghton and Steve Gellatly debut for Wellington Firebirds
in the one and four day competition
* Megan Wakefied selected for NZ A
* Rory Burns, English Opener made is Premier debut late in the 2008/09 season,
Rory had come to NZ after finishing school, he spent most of season in the
seconds top scoring with 63 before debuting for the premiers-
* January 17 2009 - five centuries in one day Chris Butler 154 senior
3, Michael Pittams 102 in 2A, Jason Corsbie 109
for 2B, Mark Neale 161 for 1A, and Craig Twiname 114 for 1B,
* Dave Scott takes 61 wickets in the season, including 8 for 13 v Wainui and 7
for 35 v Hutt. This is the most wickets taken in Peace or Hazlett by a Taita
Player. Note. Lits record of Premier wickets still stands
* Mat Pepper and Andrew Sturt, bliz Naenae Peps taking 10 for 53 in match and Andrew Sturt taking
7 for 20 in the second innings
* This year the premiers missed the final by .95 of a point, ,our cause was not
helped by questionable sportsmanship by Hutt and Karori who played in what can
only be described as torrential rain to enable Karori to make the final. Who
can also forget Easts who brought in an Australian Pro in the last two weeks of
the competition to help them get an outright v Upper Hutt.
* 2009/10 Chris Tait 100 v Easts 1st premier hundred
* Mark Heissenbuttel life member, 7 years as Chair, 7 on committee, 3 as club captain,
* Dave Stewart life member, 4 years as president, 3 years as chair, 5 years on
committee
Ray Stott [ Current Patron] life member 6 years committee, 12 years vic
president, 3 years president, 5 years committee
* Dennis Quirke life member, 6 years vic president, 9 years on committee 8 years treasurer , 3 years
club captain
* Dave Gillespie, life member 6 years vic president, 5 years as chairman, 5 years club captain, 6 years
committee
History of Taita Cricket Chapter 12 - 2010 to 2015
Highlights
* 2010/11
Cameron Merchant debuts for Taita and Wellington, Cameron came to Wellington to
take up a firebirds contract and play for Taita. Top score for Wellington 94 v
NZ, top score for Taita a very good hundred v Easts
*2011/12 Henry Walsh selected for NZ Under 19
* Same season Steve Gellatly breaks Ian Masons record of most runs for the club of 4977, Gats has now over
5000 runs
* Who remembers the Karori game when that most honest of cricket players Simon
Baker mandkad Henry Walsh in his first premier season. http://www.stuff.co.nz/…/Karori-cricket-captain-I-am-not-a-….
What an honourable skipper??
*2012/13 Taita votes unanimously at the AGM to become a founding member of Sportsville
* The premiers finished third in the Pearce cup and were loosing finalist in
the 2020 cup going down to Karori on the second to last ball
* Henry Walsh scores 621 runs in season including two hundreds, Mark Houghton and
Sam Le Gros also scored 500 in the season
* In third grade an outstanding second wicket partnership between Dr Rahal and Marty Te Moananui
of 154
* 2013/14 Tom McHugh captain of the Kamos takes 4 for 26 including double hattrick
* Kieran McComb scores
73 and takes 6 for 25 and 4 for 39 v Upper Hutt
* Sam McGavin takes a
career best of 7 for 73 for the seconds
* Phil Tunnicliffe 6 sixes in an over v Jville at Te Whiti park and Sam Le Gros
634 runs for the season
* Thirds win one day title. in the field, we restricted Upper Hutt to just 129
all out, with H Moore taking 4/23 off 9. A blistering 76 no from Jonny Nippert
entertained the Taita faithful on the balcony, and was easily enough to claim
the silverware.
* 2014/15- History making season for Taita, Two premier finals and one trophy,
Winners of the 2020 cup at the Basin and beaten finalists to Easts in the
Pearce cup final again at the basin
* Six premier centuries in the season, 2 to Mark Houghton and
Phil Tunnicliffe and one each to Henry Walsh and Sam LeGros
* Mark Houghton sets a new record of runs in a season 727
* Hayden Moore takes 45 wickets for the thirds
* luke Dingle only plays three games for the seconds scores 234 runs including
one hundred and two fifties
The Legends win the Hutt Valley 2020 grade with Paul McNelis taking 3 for 5 in
one game and Jason Corsbie scoring 420 runs in the season including one hundred
History of Taita Cricket Chapter 13- years 2015-2020
Highlights
*
2015/16- Taita appoints Sriram Krishnamurthy
as our coach replacing Lits who has stepped down from the role after a number
of years in the role
* Nick O'Sullivan who transferred from Hamilton scores 100 on debut
* Mark Houghton scores 2 hundreds and takes the record of most season club runs
from Steve Gellatly, passing Steve's 5140 runs
* Mark Houghton sets record for most runs in a season breaking the record he
set previous year. New record 763
* Premiers lost 2020 final on last ball of super over to Petone care of Jesse Ryder
* Phil Tunnicliffe selected for Wellington A
* Nik Swain scores first premier 100 and Jason Doyle scores 2 hundreds for the
seconds
* 2016/17- Mark Houghton,
first Taita Player to play 200 premier games for Taita. Mark
Sorenson, Softball legend presented the cap
* Rohith Yeluri took career best figures of 9 4 9 in opening game of the season
for the seconds v Upper Hutt
* Mat Matthew Mccomb selected for Wellington Under 19 for second year
* Taita thirds win the one day competition
* Taita Reserves win the One day final v Varsity chasing 258 we were 35 for 4
then Jason Doyle and Tim Brown put on 200 for 4th wicket, a Taita twitch
followed before we finally got over the line
* Jason scored 2 hundreds in the season
* Obus Pienaar joins
Taita from South Africa, scores 157 and 173 in first two bats and selected for
Wellington A
* Sam Stephens scores 350 runs in 10 innings for the Kamos
* 2017/18 - Logan Van Beek joins Taita from Christchurch, contracted to the
Firebirds
* Logan was selected to play for NZ A and also took up a contract over the
winter with Derbyshire
* Travis Muller and Phil Tunnicliffe put on 126 for first wicket v Petone,
* Bill Edwards scores a 100 for the thirds
*The Premiers and Reserves win their respective two day grades after both
missing out on the top six by one point
* Mark Houghton retires from Prem Cricket after a very long and distinguished career
* 2018/19- Nik Swain new Taita Prem captain taking over from Mark Houghton
* Jason Doyle scores maiden premier 100 in a 173 7th wicket partnership with
Nik Swain who also scored a 100 in that game
* Haseeb Hameed makes his debut for Taita, Haseeb was the youngest player to
open the batting for England and scores 50 on debut. His debut for Taita was
not the same, after fielding in the fraser park wind for 84 overs he got a
golden duck
* Nick Greenwood, Patrick Smith and Chander Ravi selected to play for Wellington A
* Taita awards caps to lower grade players who have played over 100 or in the
case of Jason Doyle Carlene Alexander and Shaun Gillespie
200 games
* Kadin Joslin scores a 100 for the seconds
* 2019/20, Dips Correia takes 14 wickets for 64 runs for thirds v Wainui plus 8
for 24 v easts
* K P Anathoju scores 184 in a 40 over game for the Fireblades
* Regan Craig ,Kadin Joslinand Matthew Heissenbuttel
score hundreds for the thirds, this is Mats first Taita hundred
* Hundreds scored by Nick Greenwood and Mitchell Scott for the prems
* Logan Van Beek played for the Firebirds and almost single handily won the
2020 final for Wellington
* Nick Greenwood selected to play for Jersey in the 2020 and 50 over world cup
qualifier, Nick scored is maiden international 100
* Highlight of the season was Chander Ravi 842 runs in the season this is now a
club record, this includes one 100, plus three scores in the 90's. https://www.facebook.com/Wellingtoncricket/videos/562566801053408/?t=47
* Life Member - Dave Little, apart from Daves excellent on field exploits, Dave
has been a committee member or 5 years and Chairman for four
BEST TAITA
TEAMS 1934-2020
Taita Cricket - Women
Women cricket team based on our 85 year history. Like all selections they are
subjective, but I am very confident I have selected the best of the best from
our Premier Women's Team.
Taita Womens best ever cricket team
Anna Smith- Captain. Taita Wellington, NZ- 9 Taita 100's 4668 runs, 15 wickets
Rochelle Roddick, Taita, Wellington A, 1362 runs
Donna Archer. Taita, Wellington A, 1 Taita 100 1985
runs, 101 wickets
Lorrainne Holley-Fagg, Taita, Wellington 1189 runs
Trudy Jackson Taita, Wellington, NZ Under 23 1
Taita 100, 679 runs, 56 wickets
Frances King- Taita, Wellington, NZ- 1 Taita 100,
1991 runs, 135 wickets
Megan Wakefield, Taita, Wellington, NZ A 8 Taita
100's 3100 runs
Sue Moore Taita Wellington- 2 Taita hundreds 2100
runs
Justine Fryer Taita, Wellington, NZ 909 runs, 182
wickets
Sue Everson - Taita, Wellington under 23 1392 runs,
236 wickets
Amber Little, Taita Wellington, NZ A 649 runs 51 wickets
This team includes 3 NZ
White Ferns, 2 NZ A, 1 NZ under 23, 9 Wellington Reps, 2 Wellington A and one
Wellington under 23 rep. This team reflects the historical depth that women's cricket
has played to ensure Taita has been and will always be successful.
Taita Cricket best [One
Day Grade] Eleven 1934-2020
Please note
criteria for selection, excludes any regular premier or reserve player who
played lower grade at the end of their career
This team not only played hard on the field but played even harder off the field, the lower
grade teams have been the backbone of Taita Cricket since 1935
Jason Corsbie- Jason
retired a couple of years ago when the legends folded, Jason a dynamic open bat
3 hundreds
Jason Aitken- 6 hundreds including top score 258
Kirmish Patel, member of the Taita Indian teams in the 90s, scored 5 hundreds
Tom McHugh- solid allrounder one of two players in the eleven still playing- Captain of the Taita
kamos- best bowling 4-6 including a double hattrick
Dave Brown- Wicket Keeper, agile keeper, useful batsman
Dave Stewart- Captain- Leads from the front, 2 centuries to his name, scored his hundreds in
84/84 and 86/87, also one 7 wicket bag in 82/83, and a hattrick in 84/85, a
member of the Taita 4B,C teams- Hutt Valley Second grade rep 1968
Jim McCurley- in 1982/83 Jim took 7 wickets 5 times in the season. In 84/85 he took 81
wickets in a season
Ian Weed- club record still stands today 91 wickets in a season 1955/56, 7 wickets in an
innings 5 times
Mark Young Mark played in the late 40s to mid 50s, in the 49/50 season he tool 7 wickets in an
innings 4 times including 3 hattricks, the also took 8 for 16 in 1950/51
Jim Butterfield. Took 50 wickets in season 3 times,
3 hattricks and 7 wickets in an innings 4 times
Graham Perks- a stand out bowler in the 70s, took three 7 wicket bags in 73/74- Hutt Valley
Colts 1968
Keith Fawcett 12th Man - 2 hundred’s
Taita Cricket Two day
grade team 1986-2000.
The criteria for this
selection is players below premier that I have played with, coaches or had an
involvement with 1986 to 2000
1. Paul McNelis, a solid open bat, who is a tendency to use his pad to attain
leg bys as apposed to using his bat , in saying that Paul is a legend at Taita
a hundred in the 2003 season and 500 runs in a season 2001
2. Colin Reid a dashing open Bat who scored 2 hundreds 127 and 103, scored
776 in a season 1993/94
3. Ross Fibes, a dashing opening bat, Ross scored 3
hundreds 152,146,127, 500 in a season twice
4. Mike Michael Best an unorthodox batsman, who bowled slow medium, MIkes top score was 160 and scored
500 in a season in 2002
5. Murray Johns,
Captain. the second of the two left handers in the top order Murray was an
extremely dependable bat, and outstanding fielder Murry scored 2 hundreds
117,101
6. ,Michael Pittams, Michael scored 2 hundreds 130 and 01 scored 500 in a season twice 2007/08 and
2008/09
7. Cains Mason, the allrounder in the team along with Michael Best,
scored 731 in the 2004/05, scored 2 hundreds 118 and 127, took a hattrick when
taking 4 for 14 and 7 wickets in a match once
8. Jonny Hare, lower order wicket keeper, Jonny was the main stay of the third/ fourth team at Taita
from 2008 to 2015, very nimble behind the stumps , Winner of the Ray Tylor
fielding trophy for lower grade players 4 times, Has played 100 games for Taita
9. Phil Rodley, the outstanding Cantabrian, a brilliant into the wind bowler who could ball all
day, Phil took two hattricks 4 for 6 and 5 for 16, he took one seven wicket bag
7 for 48
10. Paul Cummings, an aggressive medium pace swing bowler, Paul was an outstanding bowler for Taita,
while not the quickest in the field had a great pair of hands, best bowling 7 4
20
11. Shaun Gillespie,
a long standing lower order batsman and leg spin bowler for Taita, started
playing in 2005 season and continues as the Second team captain today, Shaun
has played the most 2 day games in our history 240. Shaun has 4 five wicket
bags and taken over 260 wickets in his career
12. Hayden Moore, lower
middle order batsman and leg spin bowler, Hayen was the main stay of the thirds
up until 3 years ago when he was promoted to the seconds, Hayden continues to
take wickets regularly . Hayden has won the Fawcett Plate three times - 15/16,
16/17, 17/18
Congratulations to the selected 12.
Tomorrow I will be naming the "ANGRY BIRDS' eleven, the criteria for this
selection is dissent towards an umpire, batsman or team mates. This will be a
very clear cut selection. Watch this space
Taita Cricket- Angry Birds
Eleven
The criteria for this selection is, players selected have shown a tendency to be animated
towards, Batman, Umpires, Fellow Players, Spectators or Opposition Players
sitting in the balcony.
Selected team
Michael Best, Mike is normally a passive player, but not when playing North City and coming up
against the fiery Mark Gillespie, as a result of the altercation both parties
appeared before the judiciary
Mike Carroll, not shy at providing timely advice to the batsman, and is fielding colleagues if
something when wrong
Graham McLeod, a batsman that was never out, if he was caught in the outfield he would
"cry wolf" and say I thought that person was a spectator, great at
throwing toys out of the cot when things didn't go his way
Rex Fairbrother- Captain- Rex is the ULTIMATE TAITA ANGRY BIRD, Best known for his MIKE TYSON
KNOCK OUT of Colin Knox when Taita played Wainui. Colin edged the ball to first
slip and didn't walk, Rex politely told him to f... o.. , Colin didn't move,
Rex asked again this time standing close to Colin, Colin then dropped his bat
and approached Rex. Rex's response was to KO HIM.
Cameron Merchant, best know for a " rant " in the changing room after Taita lost a 2020
game v Naenae, Taita was chasing a low score of about 139, and we were cruising
at 130 for 4, with Cameron on 77, we had the yips and lost 6 wickets for 8 runs
to loose by a run. Cameron was very animated in the changing room, telling the
team in in particular Henry Walsh how crap they were.
Fraser Smith, an aggressive player at the best of times, in this instance he abused Reg
Alexander the umpire, when given out caught over the boundary line, is language
was clear and directed directly at the umpire
Steven Teepa, typical, wicket keeper, like a half back , yapping all the time, very pointed
comments towards, the batsman, umpire and fellow players when events happened
that Steven did not agree with. Teeps also had run ins with Luke Woodcock from
Jville, and Graham Murray from Varsity Best know for altercation with the newly
appointed overseas Coach Christie Van Dyke prior to the start of a preseason game,
both vigorously disagreed with each others game tactics, leading to a stand off
in front of both teams. it was humorous to say the least
Peter Lafferty, a slow bowler that turned the ball once, with the attitude of Glenn McGrath ,
never stood back, great at giving advise to the umpire and batsman. Best known
for his altercation with a fine Indian umpire at the end of days play Taita v
Eastern, as a result of this altercation. Because of Taita exemplary record we
did not appear before the Judiciary, the umpires took exception to the ruling
and went on strike. Lafs was potentially slightly hard done by re his sighting
as captain Ray Fawcett and Phil Sherwood were key instigators . your selection
retained anyway Lafs
Paul Cummings,Paul was real Angry Bird , always up for a vigorous discussion, not short of a
word. who can forget Pauls favourite line " How many ...… senior wickets
have you got ….
David Scott, Vic Captain, Dave is a close second to Rex re the title of Taita Angry Bird, David
was angry every time he bowled, look out for the poor fielder who dropped a
catch of his bowling or an umpire who said not out to an obvious LBW
Dave Gillespie,
the mildest of the angry birds eleven, however on occasions has been known to
tip the bails off when a poor decision was made by the umpire or mirror Michael
Holding and remove the stumps from the ground.
Coach - Christie Van Dyke, When Christie and Iren Irene van Dyk
moved to NZ, Taita picked up Christie as our first overseas coach, Christie was
an outstanding coach and a bloody great guy but he was a true South African
hard as nails and only expected the best from everyone, not afraid to verbalise
his thoughts. Best know for is altercation with Steven Teepa as
outlined above.
On Behalf of Taita crickets over the last 85 years congratulations on yiour
selection
Overseas Professional
Eleven
The Selected players, represented Taita and their home County, Country and
Province. Taita have had a proud history of bringing some outstanding players
to our club from overseas, starting in 1987 with Andy Pick. UPDATED
The Selected Eleven is
Haseeb Hameed - Taita, Lancashire, Notts and England, Haseeb is the first of two Taita men's
players to play international cricket at tier one level. Haseeb was the
youngest player to open the batting for England when he opened against India in
India. Haseeb has played 3 tests totalling 218 runs with a top score of 82.
Haseeb has played 63 first class games scoring 2007 runs with a highest score
of 212. Haseeb played for Taita in 2018/19. This season he has moved to Notts
and hopefully he can retain form to again open the batting for England
Rory Burns - Taita,
Surry, England, Rory is the second of our two tier one men's internationals.
Rory has played 15 tests 979 runs with top score of 133. He has played 132
first class games scoring 9202 runs highest score 208. Rory played for Taita in
2008/09 as part of his gap year. Rory will keep wickets for the team.
Obus Pienaar, Taita, Orange Free State, SA Under 19. Obus played 94 first class games 5929 runs with
highest score 212. Obus played for Taita in 2016/17 scoring 693 runs. In his
first two games for Taita Obus scored 152 and 172,. Great news for Taita Obus
is considering emigrating to NZ to Live
Jon Lewis-
Taita, Durham Essex, Jon has played 205 first class games 10821 runs highest
score 210. Jon also coached at Durham and is now the batting coach for Sri
Lanka. Jon played for Taita in 19/93 scoring 594 runs with top score of 91
Keith Parsons,
Taita, Somerset. Keith played 130 first class games scoring 5234 runs top score
193. He took 517 wickets best bowling 8 for 72. Keith played for Taita 1993/96
scoring 1630 runs with top score of 133 and took 69 wickets. Keith is the Cricket
Manager at Somerset
Darren Stevens,
Taita, Leicestershire and Kent. Darren has played an amassing 303 first class
games scoring 15633 runs with highest score of 237. He has taken 517 wickets
best bowling 8 for 75. Darren played for Taita in 2000/01 scoring 431 runs top
score of 68, taking 21 wickets Darren is 44 and has just been awarded a new
contract with Kent.
Cameron Merchant,
Taita, Wellington, New South Wales, Cameron has played 26 first class games
scoring 1445 runs top score 108 for Wellington. Cameron played for Taita in 2010/11
scoring 446 runs with top score of 135 not out
Andy Pick,
Taita, Wellington, Notts, Andy has played 195 first class games scoring 2259
runs highest score 65. He has taken 495 wickets best bowling 7 for 28. Andy
played for Taita between 86/88 and 89/90. He scored 688 runs highest score 58.
He took 143 wickets, including 3 seven bags and 50 wickets in a season once
Jason Kerr.
Taita Somerset, Jason played 65 first class games he cored 1663 runs top score
80. He took 129 wickets best bowling 7 for 23. He played for Taita in 96/97
taking 31 wickets, Jason also scored 398 runs including a quick fire hundred v
Jville
Nick Philips,
Taita, Durham, Sussex. Nicky played 77 first class games scoring 1410 runs top
score 55. He took 162 wickets. Nicky played for Taita 98/99 he took 39 wickets
and 245 runs
Andy Afford,
Taita and Notts, Andy played 170 first class games scoring 3988 runs and taking
468 wickets best bowling 6 for 51. Andy played for Taita in 1988/89 taking 50 wickets
Three players very unlucky to miss the cut:
1. Quinton De Bruin, Taita and Natel , played for Taita in 200/01 taking 29 wickets
2. Pernel Watley, Taita and Antigua , Pernel was Taita's first West Indian overseas
player, he was a real character on and off the field, in true West Indian fashion
he took 8 minutes to bowl his over, nothing was a hurry
3. Ed Fluk- Taita and Lancashire, Ed Played for Taita this season, as part of our exchange
program with Lancashire, he played in the Lancashire seconds last year and is
seeking a contract this coming season. a player to watch in the future
This is an outstanding team, every one of them gave their all when playing for Taita, all
but Rory and Haseeb have long retired, it would be great of in the not to
distant future Rory and Haseeb are opening for England v the Black Caps at the
basin.
TAITA LEGENDS A TEAM- 1934
TO 2020
It was a very tough call to determine who was in the A team v the legends team. The criteria
includes, performances over a long period of time and club records.
Congratulations to the selected 12.
A Squad of 12 Captained by Mark Heissenbuttel
Terry Martin played for Taita 1974/1988 He scored 3435 runs average of 23, with 2 hundreds. Highest
score 137. Terry has played 100 games for Taita
Phil Tunnicliffe, Phi, is a hard hitting opening bat, who played for Taita from 2013
to 2018, Phil scored 2450 runs at 38 with 3 hundreds, Phil also took 98 wickets
.Highest score 129
Chander Ravi, played for Taita in 2014/15 and from 2018 onwards, Chander is the youngest
member of this team being in his early 20s. Chander's selection is based on
attaining the club record of most runs scored in a season, scoring 863 runs,
with one 100 and out three times in the late 90s, . Chander was selected for Wellington
A this season and has a great future. Highest score112
Robbie Dogan, he played for Taita 1966 to 82 . He scored 3689 runs with three 100s. Highest
score 120. Robbie has played 100 games for Taita
Barry Clarke, Barry played for Taita 1953 to 76, he scored 4256 runs with 3 hundreds, Barry
was the second player in 1959/60 to score 500 runs when he scored 623.Highest
score 129. Barry has played 100 games for Taita
Henry Skipper, Henry played for Taita 1981/98, He scored 3985 runs with five hundreds. Henry
also took 190 wickets. Henry played for NZ under 19. Henry has played 100 games
for Taita
Mark Heissenbuttel - Captain, Wicket keeper, Mark played for Taita 1985-97 he scored 2833 runs
with one hundred.
Trevor Harrison, Trevor played for Taita 1949 to 57 he scored 1779 runs with one
hundred, top score 109, Trevor took 253 wickets , one 50 wicket bag in a season
with best bowling 10 for 63
Peter Lafferty, Peter played for Taita 1975 to 91 he scored 891 runs with highest score of 49.
Peter took 220 wickets with one seven wicket bag. Peter has played 100 games
for Taita
Phil Schofer,
Phil played for Taita 1973 to 92, he scored 2881 runs with top score of 81, he
took 320 wickets with 2 seven wicket bags, Phil played for the Wellington
Firebirds.
Kevin Rowley, Kevin played for Taita 1965 to 82 He took 455 wickets with 5 seven wicket bags
and 2 50 wicket bags in a season. Kevin has played 100 games for Taitga
Kieran McComb, Keren like Chander are the only two selected playing premier cricket today, Kieran commenced
is tenure with Taita in 2014. Kiera has taken 163 wickets with a best bowling
of 6 for 25 with a top score of 78. Kieran is widely regarded as the best left
arm spinner in Wellington club cricket. Kieran has played 100 games for Taita
Men Legends Team 1934-2020
The selection of this team was extremely challenging given the quality of the
players Taita have produced in the last 85 years
The selected squad is:
Ronnie Ryan, Ronnie played 18-98 he scored 4504 runs at 26, with 2 hundreds and 500 in a season once. 140
premier games. Ronnie was captain of the premier team for four seasons
Henry Walsh, 2011 to Present, Taita, Wellington NZ Under 19, Henry has 3320 runs with 4 hundreds,
Henry is the only player of the current premier squad capable of chasing down
Mark Houghton's club record of 5905 runs. This season Henry only played half
the season due to breaking his thumb v Karori just before Xmas, he still scored
450 runs including a 99 and 98. 125 premier games
Steve Gellatly, Taita and Wellington. Steve played for Taita 97-2009, he scored 5140 runs, the second highest run scorer in
Taita History, he scored 5 hundreds and 500 in a season once. 164 premier games
Bruce Smith, Taita
Wellington, NZ Under 23. Bruce played for Taita 93-76, he scored 3597 runs at
an average, of 42, he scored 6 hundreds and 500 in a season once. Bruce also
took 123 wickets. 65 premier games
Ian Mason, Taita, Wellington, NZ under 23, Ian scored 4977 runs at an average of 30, he scored 4
hundreds. 101 premier games
Jack Swaysland, played for Taita 47/67,he scored 4087 runs at 28, he scored 3 hundreds and 500
in a season once. Wayne still holds the record of highest score by a Taita
Premier player 212 v Petone. 104 premier games
Mark Houghton, Captain, Taita, Wellington, Mark played for Taita 2002-2018, Mark hold the record of
most runs by a Taita player 5903, Mark scored 8 hundreds also a Taita record, he also took 273 wickets.
Mark captained the Taita from 2005/06, a record 171 times 234 premier games
Ian Therklson Wicketkeeper , Taita Wellington, Ian scored 4545 runs with a highest score of 89. 164
premier games. Ian was an outstanding wicket keeper and it was widely felt with
in Wellington that he was very unlucky not to play for NZ
Doug Urry, Doug played for Taita 1950-69, he scored 3125 runs with one hundred. Dougs real skill was with
the ball, he holds the record of most wickets in the club 597, with 6 seven
wicket bags and 50 wickets in a season 6 times, best bowling 9 for 43. 147
premier games
Ray Fawcett Vic Captain, Ray played for Taita
76-2000, Taita and Wellington A, Ray scored 3828 runs top score of 76. Like
Doug Rays real skill was with the ball. He took 400 wickets with 6 seven wicket
bags, and 50 wickets in a season twice. 151 premier games. Ray was the first
Taita captain to captain the team for 100 games
David Little, Taita and Wellington, David
played for Taita -93 to 2009, he scored 2986 runs with top score of 88*. He
took 511 wickets with 2 seven wicket bags, including a hattrick and 50 wickets
in a season once. 149 premier games. Dave was captain of the premier team for
six seasons
Logan Van Beek, Taita, Wellington, NZ A, Netherlands. Logan joined Taita when he got a Firebirds
contract in 2017. While Logan has not played a lot of cricket for Taita due to
Firebirds and NZ A commitments, he has played and supported where he can.
Logan's best performance for Taita was this season when he scored 69 and took 5
for 34 to help Taita to an important victory v Easts. Logan, with any luck will
be Taita's first Black Cap. 18 premier games
This is an incredibly strong team and a tough call for Mark and Ray to determine will carry the
drinks. The team bats to eleven, and includes 8 players who have played for
Wellington and 4 who played for NZ 19 or NZ A