Cricket

Currently St John's College has cricket teams competing in various grades and competitions. 

We are lucky to have a highly qualified coach, Greg Holt, as well as various other qualified coaches looking after all the teams.

The 1st XI competes in the Waikato Valley Senior A men's competition and finished 3rd in both the limited overs and 2-day competitions during the last two seasons.

There are 2 more senior teams playing 1st and 2nd division respectively. Juniors teams are made up of a Colts, Gold and Blue team.

2025 was all about enhancing Our School Cricket Program: New Strategy Implementation

At St John’s College, our Cricket Program continues to evolve to meet the growing enthusiasm and talent among our students. This year, we have introduced a new strategic approach aimed at improving player development, team performance, and overall engagement in the sport. The updated program emphasises modern coaching methods and a stronger link between training and competitive play.

Purpose of the New Strategy

The new strategy has been developed to:

• Strengthen the foundation of cricket skills across all age groups.
• Create a structured pathway from beginner to advanced levels.
• Foster a culture of discipline, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Integrate modern coaching techniques and technology into training sessions.

Key Features of the Strategy

1. Skill-Based Training Modules
    Training sessions are now organised around specific skill areas—batting, bowling, fielding, and game awareness. Each student follows a personalised development plan designed to enhance strengths and address areas for improvement.
2. Leadership and Team Building
    Students are given opportunities to take on leadership roles, such as captaining practice games or assisting in coaching younger players. This helps develop confidence, communication, and decision-making skills.
3. Competitive Exposure
    The school will now participate in a broader range of inter-school tournaments and friendly matches. This exposure allows students to apply their training in real match situations and gain valuable experience.

Through this new strategy, we aim to develop a stronger, more cohesive cricket culture at our school—one that balances skill mastery with character development. Students will not only become better cricketers but also learn vital life skills such as perseverance, discipline, and teamwork.

SJC had numerous players (Blake Hennessy, Angus Spelman, Sam Peterson, Liam Coombes and Cooper Brown) representing the school at regional level in 2025.

For more information contact the Director of Cricket, Joe Smal.