Former Black Cap Hamish Rutherford Inspires Students with Cricket Skills

Former New Zealand cricketer Hamish Rutherford visited Broad Bay School in Dunedin on March 18, 2024, to conduct a cricket skills session for students from years 1 to 8. The event, organized by junior teacher Daniel Ashton, aimed to provide young pupils with an opportunity to learn from a seasoned athlete in their community.

Rutherford, who played 16 test matches for New Zealand, is currently a project manager for the new Dunedin hospital project. He expressed enthusiasm about stepping away from his office duties to engage with local students. “It is a good small little school where my daughter goes, and then the rest of my family will go as well,” he noted. He viewed the session as a way to give back to the community that has supported him throughout his career.

The morning activities included various exercises such as fielding drills aimed at the stumps and practice throws, culminating in a lively game of non-stop cricket. Students participated enthusiastically, with many sharing their thoughts on the experience.

Vera Wainwright, 10, remarked that cricket is a fantastic team sport, emphasizing her enjoyment of playing with friends and her excitement about bowling. Similarly, Kingston Geddes, 13, recalled fond memories of playing cricket with his father in Australia, indicating his deep passion for the sport.

Eight-year-old Tobin Laurence described the day as entertaining, expressing his preference for batting and adding, “I do some backyard cricket sometimes with my dad.” Meanwhile, Jonah Michael, 12, who was new to cricket, found the experience “pretty fun,” especially enjoying both fielding and batting.

Rutherford hopes that such sessions will provide valuable cricket knowledge to schools that may not have regular access to the sport. “It is good to be able to do something,” he said. “Hopefully, they had a bit of fun.”

Rutherford retired in January 2024, having amassed over 16,000 runs across all formats for New Zealand and Otago, along with successful stints with several counties in the United Kingdom. His dedication to the sport and willingness to engage with the next generation highlights the importance of community involvement in sports development.

The event at Broad Bay School not only served as a platform for skill development but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and excitement among the students, underscoring the positive impact of local sports figures on youth engagement.