Wellington College crowned Boys’ First XI Cup champions in tight final round finish

Wellington College have completed a superb campaign at Lincoln University, clinching the 2025-26 Secondary School Boys’ First XI Cup after finishing level on points with Christchurch Boys’ High School and Auckland Grammar School.

Wellington College produced an emphatic chase in the final round of competition, running down Christchurch Boys’ High School’s target in just 31.2 overs to secure victory on net run rate and the national title.

Their well-rounded performances across the week saw them finish the tournament with three wins, one loss and one no‑result, earning the title in one of the most competitive editions in recent years.

A crucial part of Wellington’s success was tournament MVP Charlie Jackson, whose composed and pressure‑soaked half‑century in the final match proved pivotal in securing the top spot.

Adding further steel to the champions’ campaign was team MVP Leo Bridgman, whose consistency across the week - whether with bat, ball, or in the field - set the tone for Wellington’s performances.

Christchurch Boys’ High School pushed the eventual champions all the way, also finishing on seven points.

They remained unbeaten through the opening rounds and stayed in the hunt right to the final day.

Not far behind, Auckland Grammar matched both sides with three victories and a no‑result of their own, completing the leading trio locked together at the top of the table.

St Paul’s Collegiate rounded out the top four, securing two wins and a no‑result, and were early pace-setters with CBHS in the tournament.

New Zealand Cricket wishes to acknowledge all players, coaches, scorers, umpires, and supporters for contributing to another memorable First XI Cup campaign.

For all tournament scorecards and statistics, click here.

Standings:

1. Wellington College
2. Christchurch Boys’ HS
3. Auckland Grammar School
4. St Paul’s Collegiate
5. Napier Boys’ HS
6. Wakatipu HS

Tournament Awards:

Tournament MVP: Charlie Jackson (Wellington College) – 249 runs @ 62.25, 4 catches.

Spirit of Cricket: Wakatipu High School

Team MVP’s

• Leo Bridgman (Wellington College) – 272 runs @ 68, 4 wickets.
• Harry O’Louglin (Christchurch Boys’ HS) – 262 runs @ 87.33.
• Harry Waite (Auckland Grammar School) – 14 wickets @ 11.14.
• Quintus Daniell (St Paul’s Collegiate) – 212 runs @ 70.67.
• Lucas Jenyns (Napier Boys’ HS) – 205 tuns @ 51.5,
• Jacob Wards (Wakatipu HS) – 4 wickets @ 35, 3 catches.