09/10/2026
The 1st XI signed off their Sri Lanka tour with an outstanding 103-run victory over Zahira College at the prestigious Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) International Test Ground in Colombo.
Batting first, Rathkeale posted an imposing 299/7 from their 50 overs, built around an unbeaten 201 from 124 balls by William Orsborn. After an early wicket threatened to derail the innings, Orsborn steadied the ship carrying his bat through the innings.
As Orsborn closed in on a memorable double century, teammates Franklin Wellington, Hugo Tomlin, and Tom Hurley played selfless supporting roles, working hard to rotate the strike & ensure Rathkeale maintained momentum through the latter stages of the innings.
Support with the bat also came from:
Paddy Shaw - 24
Luke Jonas - 16
Franklin Wellington - 14
Defending 299, Rathkeale's bowlers made the perfect start. Luke Jonas struck early with an LBW, while Jacob Clark produced an excellent opening spell, claiming 2 wickets from 4 overs to leave Zahira College struggling at the top of the order.
The hosts fought back through an aggressive middle-order partnership, highlighted by innings of 66 from 60 balls and 30 from 23 balls. Spin bowlers George Fletcher and William Orsborn applied the brakes through the middle overs, controlling the run rate and picking up key wickets.
The bowling attack was led by:
George Fletcher - 3/38 from 7.4 overs
Will Orsborn - 3/28 from 7 overs
Jacob Clark - 2/6 from 4 overs
It was a fantastic all-round team performance and a fitting way to conclude a memorable tour. The squad now returns home ahead of a busy week of exams before beginning their Term 4 fixtures next Sunday against HIBS (Hutt International Boys' School) at Rathkeale.
A tremendous finish to the tour and a performance all the boys can be extremely proud of. 🏏👏
