part of me thinks well if they are playing in that grade, then they have to expect it, but then again, smashing a triple in a 45 over game is a little too much, especially when the 16 year old captain of the other team pleads for you to retire. The fact that he is the CEO of the comp and is supposed to be nurturing these kids also has to be taken into consideration i think
ST JOHN'S College's teenage bowling attack was begging for the mercy rule as ex-New Zealand first class player and Hawke's Bay Cricket Association CEO Craig Findlay belted them to all parts of the ground in a blistering 307 off 115 balls.
Findlay, whose innings for Complete Flooring Napier Technical Old Boys including a mammoth 27 sixes, has come under fire from parents and players who questioned his motive against teenagers he should be "nurturing".
Findlay did not appear to regret his actions.
"It was coming off alright. I was dropped early though by some poor young fellow when I was on about 40," Findlay said.
"My favourite six was probably one that sailed over the sightscreen."
Asked if he would approach the game the same way if he was playing against his own son - now aged 10 - Findlay said he most certainly would.
"I tell you I also won't be cutting him any slack," Findlay said.
"I can't wait for him to play against them [experienced adults] ... to compete against the best."
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St John's 16-year-old captain James McNatty said things were already getting out of hand at the 23-over mark of the 45-over match, so he pleaded with the 42-year-old Findlay to retire.
Findlay said he'd think about it.
"After another seven overs I asked him again but he just walked away and carried on batting," said McNatty, who then approached opposing skipper Mike Pawson about the situation.
"Mike said there were only a few more overs to go and to keep our chins up," McNatty said.
Desperate, McNatty tried bowling every player in the team except the wicketkeeper.
"There was nothing I could do so I used everyone to have a go," added McNatty, whose teammates are mostly 15- and 16-year-olds.
"We were just glad to get off the field."
Concerned onlooker Megan Singleton said: "Can't believe the cricket CEO retired on 300. Some of those kids were 15 and completely demoralised. What a guy!
"That CEO should be nurturing these players not trying to show off and have his score on back page."
Andrew Frame, who was playing in a game on the next pitch at Napier's Nelson Park in New Zealand, added: "Nothing to be proud of in that game. Tech should have declared at 300-1 at the 20-over break and saved face.
"Felt for the St John's boys. Unfair contest, really."
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