Clutch Coaching

Very sad news for the cricket community.

Stu was a big driver of junior cricket in Hamilton and was a big supporter of Clutch Coaching's cricket programmes. You probably saw him come along to open up the nets and have a chat before one of our holiday programmes, or swing by in the evening to ensure everything at the facility was going well during our academy trainings.

Passionate about increasing local cricket opportunities - particularly in the junior and development space - whether you knew it or not, Stu was often behind the scenes helping to get a new cricket initiative over the line.

Greg and the rest of the Clutch Coaching team will forever be grateful for the value Stu brought to cricket in Hamilton, and his cheerful and ever optimistic presence will be missed.

Rest in peace my friend.

Kia ora e te whanau,

Hamilton Star University Cricket Club is very sad to announce the sudden passing earlier this week of our President, Dr Stuart Pilling.

Stuart had a long involvement with the club, dating back more than 30 years, including as a Premier player during his playing career.

He was a life member of Hamilton Star University Cricket Club.

Stu had been a constant presence on the club board for at least 20 of those years. In 2017 his service to the club was acknowledged and celebrated with a University of Waikato sports blazer.

Much of his contribution was strategic advice on management of the club’s affairs and growth. He was particularly focussed on development of women’s and junior cricket as ways to involve more people with our club and our great sport.

More recently Stuart had held key roles as treasurer and president, closely managing the club’s finances and affairs.

He was known for his intellect, attention to detail and willingness to challenge stakeholders around their decisions and management of the game locally.

We will share more details on a service for Stuart as they come to hand.

The Board is supporting Stuart's family as needed, and also filling the significant gap he has left in our club and the management of its ongoing affairs.

Kua whetūrangitia koe, Stu.

("You have become a star.")

Attention Hamilton Cricketers!

Clutch Academy Seniors start up again in 1 week!
Registrations close soon and spaces are limited.

For more information:
https://www.clutchcoaching.co.nz/seniorprogrammes

Clutch Academy Year 8 - Hawkes Bay Cricket Camp Summary

This week we'll recap each of the five Clutch Academy sides who attended the Hawkes Bay Cricket Camp earlier this month. Scroll to the bottom of the post to find out how your child can join a Clutch Academy side in January 2027.

Clutch Academy Year 8 Highlights:
- All team members thriving in different moments across a variety of formats
- Winning our 50 over match at the beautiful Clifton Cricket Ground (pictured below) where 3 of our batters scored 50 in our mammoth total of 292.
- A team visit to McLean Park to watch Northern Districts beat Central Districts in the Super Smash game

Below are some images from the week, as well as the scorecard summaries from each match.

Game 1: Clutch Academy 6/133 won by 4 wickets vs Horowhenua-Kapiti
Rupert Manion 43 (37)
Agampreet Chhina 33 (58)
William Manion 2/11 (4)
Rupert Manion 2/12 (4)

Game 2: Clutch Academy 10/78 lost by 3 wickets vs Taradale
Te Manawanui Poananga-Hancox 11 (10)
William Manion 10 (27)
Jacob Carleton 4/13 (4)
Te Manawanui Poananga-Hancox 3/11 (4)

Game 3: Clutch Academy 8/142 won by 2 wickets vs Eastern Suburbs Wellington
Jacob Carleton 30* (40)
Remy Kell 26 (38)
William Manion 2/7 (4)
Bharat Nishant 1/5 (3)

Game 4: Clutch Academy 9/292 won by 85 runs vs Upper Hutt
Rupert Manion 56 (55)
Jacob Carleton 55 (119)
Jacob Carleton 3/16 (3.2)
Cullen Harker 2/17 (4)

Game 5: Clutch Academy 10/191 won by 10 runs vs Wairarapa
Te Manawanui Poananga-Hancox 55* (47)
Rupert Manion 15 (18)
Te Manawanui Poananga-Hancox 2/15 (4)
Rupert Manion 1/16 (4)

Well done to all members of this side on a successful campaign!
For new cricketers wanting to begin their Clutch Academy journey, sign ups are now open for the Term 1 Academy training junior programme (Year 5 - year 8.)

To register, or for more information visit: https://www.clutchcoaching.co.nz/juniorprogrammes

2027 Clutch Academy Riverbend sides will be finalised by July 1st 2026, and priority will be given to those who train weekly in the academy programme.

Clutch Academy Year 7 - Hawkes Bay Cricket Camp Summary

This week we'll recap each of the five Clutch Academy sides who attended the Hawkes Bay Cricket Camp earlier this month. Scroll to the bottom of the post to find out how your child can join a Clutch Academy side in January 2027.

Clutch Academy Year 7 Highlights:
- Winning a last ball thriller after needing 5 runs off 2 balls against OJCC
- 3x occasions a batter reached the 50 run milestone
- Creating a positive and inclusive team culture where cricket thrived

Below are some images from the week, as well as the scorecard summaries from each match.

Game 1: Clutch Academy 3/135 won by 7 wickets vs Central Hawkes Bay
Rupert Manion 51 (28)
Fletcher Reid 33 (50)
William Barbour 2/6 (3)
William Manion 2/14 (3)

Game 2: Clutch Academy 8/128 won by 2 wickets vs OJCC
Lucas Elliot 27 (51)
William Manion 20 (24)
Omansh Malik 2/11 (3)
William Manion 1/2 (2)

Game 3: Clutch Academy 10/129 lost by 28 runs vs Auckland University CC
Rupert Manion 37 (28)
Amuldeep Singh 18* (20)
Omansh Malik 2/12 (3)
Lucas Elliot 2/19 (3)

Game 4: Clutch Academy 10/122 lost by 86 runs vs North City
Rupert Manion 22* (7)
Amuldeep Singh 20 (48)
Marshall Renshaw 3/18 (3)
William Barbour 2/25 (4)

Game 5: Clutch Academy 7/174 won by 3 wickets vs Upper Hutt
Rupert Manion 50 (40)
Omansh Malik 50 (67)
Amuldeep Singh 1/9 (3)
William Barbour 1/13 (3)

Game 6: Clutch Academy 5/158 won by 5 wickets vs Wellington Collegians
Thomas Dudin 27 (30)
Lucas Elliot 25 (42)
Fletcher Reid 1/9 (3)
Lucas Elliot 1/16 (3)

Well done to all members of this side on a successful campaign!

For new cricketers wanting to begin their Clutch Academy journey, sign ups are now open for the Term 1 Academy training junior programme (Year 5 - year 8.)

To register, or for more information visit: https://www.clutchcoaching.co.nz/juniorprogrammes

2027 Clutch Academy Riverbend sides will be finalised by July 1st 2026, and priority will be given to those who train weekly in the academy programme.