For one lucky family Christmas came early last night. Barbara and Clive Thomson won the opportunity to have a bbq and play some backyard cricket – with the BLACKCAPS!
Martin Guptill, Gareth Hopkins, Kyle Mills and Tim McIntosh made the special trip to Kaukapakapa, just north of Auckland, to spend time with the Thomson’s family and friends.
After a delicious meal of salad, lamb, venison and pavlova, it was game on in a competitive innings of backyard cricket. 10 year old Robert Hamilton opened the bowling against Guptill. “It was lots of fun bowling to the BLACKCAPS. I reckon I could have got them out!” He laughed.
His bowling kept Guptill on his toes. “Yeah he was pretty intimidating. He got in a few beamers!” Guptill pointed out.
The Thomsons won the backyard cricket competition courtesy of The National Bank promotion at the national Field Days at Mystery Creek earlier in the year. . Barbara Thomson said it was lovely having the BLACKCAPS come and visit. “The boys were really nice and Clive is just so happy.”
Although Barbara was happy to have the players around, it was Clive who was relishing in the chance to spend some time with his favourite sports stars. “We taught them a thing or two about backyard cricket,” he laughed. “It was a really relaxed night and everyone had a good time.”
Kyle Mills was a spectator on the sideline because of his injury however he enjoyed the festivities and spent some time talking with the locals. “It’s been a great evening and the National Bank is a huge supporter of cricket and the wider community.”
