Watt a week brother

Two HIBS cricketing brothers have had a remarkable week with the ball at the bowling crease. Year 11 student Nathan Watt, returned from the 1st XI Cup in Lincoln at the national finals with the HIBS 1st XI where HIBS were unfortunately not successful in defending their national title. On 9 December, and on the final day’s play, HIBS played Hamilton Boys’ High School. Batting first, Hamilton were 242 for 6 at the start of the 50th over. Nathan’s first 3 consecutive balls of this over captured three Hamilton batsmen. Remarkably all were bowled. He finished with match figures of 5 for 38 off 7 overs. This hat-trick feat had not been achieved since 1995 at the national finals. This 5 wicket bag contributed to his overall haul and was the second highest wicket taker at this prestigious tournament.

Not to be outdone, younger Year 9 brother Harrison Watt, playing for the HIBS Year 9 NZCT team, was determined to go one better. Playing against Rongotai College on 13 December at Fraser Park and sharing the opening bowling duties, this left arm orthodox spinner captured 3 wickets in the last 3 consecutive deliveries of his first over. He then captured another wicket on the first ball of his second over. Unlike his brother this “double hat trick” was dependent on his fellow cricketers. Two great catches by Jonty Bamber and a very tidy stumping and catch by wicketkeeper Dominic Kennerley ensured that the young bowler produced his best ever figures of 5 for 7 off 6 overs.