The Wahi Pai Cricket Match

How one game of cricket turned into a tradition.

At the end of each school year, two teams meet on our 1st club pitch to play a very special game of cricket. Steeped in history and filled with rivalry, this is a day that has been providing stories and camaraderie since WWII.

The Story of Wahi Pai

The game itself was born in the difficult days of World War II, when petrol rationing made it impossible for the Hereworth teams to travel even short distances to play local teams, let alone visit its traditional rivals of Huntly, St Georges, and Hadlow.

So Stanley Nowell-Usticke had an idea. He would put together a team of fathers to play the boys every weekend, to keep their skills and their spirits up. Thus the first ‘Wahi Pai’ cricket match was born in 1943. The games were so well-received that they continued after the war ended, and are now an essential part of the school calendar

For 80+ years, this tradition has continued, with each match keenly anticipated. Old Boys, Old Girls and family members look forward to strapping on the pads and taking on our current students to earn Wahi Pai bragging rights. And our students look forward to the challenge of defeating all comers, leading to some pretty large smiles during the end-of-day scoreboard photo. 

Game Day

Family Rivalries

Parents love coming to Hereworth to take on their children, leading to some outstanding on-pitch moments and the occasional quiet car ride home! Bragging rights, friendly family banter and good sportsmanship are all part of the Wahi Pai tradition.  

A Fantastic Atmosphere

It's a wonderful day out as the weather kicks into summer time. Lunch is provided, the crowd is relaxed, and while the scoreboard ticks over the support is unwavering, for both teams. 

80+ Years & Going Strong

The Nowell-Usticke family started this tradition in 1943, and we're thrilled to still have their participation as new generations enjoy this day out. 

The Story Continues 

The rivalry between the two sides has seen its fair share of ups and downs, with both teams experiencing periods of dominance, but one truth is constant – the love of cricket transcends all. The history of the game is filled with fascinating anecdotes and memorable moments that paint a picture of a game that is about much more than just runs and wickets.

From the early days when cricket was the centre of the summer social calendar in Hawke's Bay, to the present day with its emphasis on community, the dedication and passion of the players, coaches, and supporters have kept the spirit of this game focused on everything that is good about cricket and about Hereworth.

Cricket is more than just a sport; it is a way of life that brings people together, teaches valuable life lessons, and creates lasting memories. The history of the Wahi Pai XI and its rivalry with Hereworth School is a testament to the enduring power of cricket and the legacy of the Nowell-Usticke family in making it happen.

As this continues, with the announcement of Willi Nowell-Usticke as the 4th-generation to keep the tradition, the future of the Wahi Pai XI looks bright. This annual game with the Wahi Pai team ensures that all who have had the privilege of playing cricket for Hereworth, past and future, will be able to carry with them, twenty and thirty and forty years on, pleasant memories of this day in the sun.