Victoria’s inaugural Capital Cup cricket match against Canberra

Victoria University of Wellington recently hosted a successful visit by the Australian National University Cricket Club (ANUCC) from Canberra.

The Victoria and ANU cricket teams

The Australian team toured Wellington and visited Westpac Stadium, the Basin Reserve and Cricket Museum, and played three cricket matches against Victoria’s Cricket Club.

“The whole visit was an outstanding success,” says James Boyle, Victoria’s premier squad coach.

“Our players gained hugely from the tough cricket played over three matches, as well as the social and educational opportunities.

“It seemed like a bit of pipe dream to host cricket in Wellington in September, but it all went well and it created a lot of interest in Wellington with players from other teams.”

Canberra is an official sister city of Wellington. The growing relationship between the two cities spawned the first Capital City Universities Cricket Challenge during ANUCC’s visit to Wellington.

The tough-fought match for the ‘Capital Cup’ was won by Victoria, which scored 234-7. An informal prizegiving was held, where a number of exchanges were made between the squads including hoodies, history books and a commemorative plaque.

“We would like to thank the Australian team for making the effort to travel to Wellington and for the grace with which they conducted themselves on and off the pitch," says James.

“I look forward to the next visit and defending the Capital Cup.”

Matt Fowler, a fourth year Law and commerce student and captain of the Victoria team says: “We really enjoyed the experience of hosting the team from ANU. I forged some strong bonds with similar students, and loved the opportunity to play against an opposition from abroad. The ANU side carried themselves brilliantly, and were a credit to their university and club. We hope to return the favour in 2018.”

It’s hoped that more sports will compete in trans-Tasman matches between the universities, says Karl Whalen, Victoria’s Associate Director Sport and Recreation. “As the relationship between the two cricket clubs develops, so too does the connection between ANU sport and Victoria Recreation, hopefully building towards an extended sports exchange programme in the future.”