A philosophical Mathew Sinclair is excited about his recall and says that he has a change of perspective has helped him mature as a person and in turn become a better cricketer.

Auckland Grammar are the latest New Zealand Community Trust Junior Boys’ champions after a thrilling one wicket win over Christchurch Boys’ High School in the final at Owen Delany Park in Taupo.

The matches today saw Auckland Grammar and Palmerston North consolidate their position at the top of the Pool A table with Christchurch Boys High School and Hamilton Boys High School clear at the top of Pool B.

A gritty 129 from Mathew Sinclair could not rescue the Central Stags from a defeat against the Auckland Aces at Colin Maiden Park.

The first round of the finals tournament of the New Zealand Community Trust Junior Boys’ cricket competition got underway in cool conditions at Owen Delany Park in Taupo today.

The Central Stags glided to a seven wicket win over the Wellington Firebirds to keep their Plunket Shield hopes alive.

The world of cricket has changed dramatically in the past 15 years, punctuated by a seismic shift since the introduction of Twenty20 in 2003

The Central Stags have claimed a thrilling one wicket win over the Canterbury Wizards at Pukekura Park in New Plymouth and have leapt into third spot on the Plunket Shield points table.

The match at Queens Park in Invercargill between the Otago Volts and Central Stags ended in a draw after a rained out fourth day.

In form batsman Kane Williamson struck a classy half century while Bradley Scott and Anton Devcich ripped through the Central Stags line up to propel the Northern Knights to an 83 run win.