BetterMan v CBHS Old Boys Charity T20 Cricket Match

Ryan Astle
23 hours ago
6 min read

Date: Sunday 1 February, 2026

Venue: Christchurch Boys' High School, Straven 1

Photos by: Robbie Fisher of Ghost&Co, and Emma Breitmeyer of Around the Wicket

Report by: Ryan Astle

Under clear blue skies, a welcome change after a wet, winter-like January, a BetterMan XI and a Christchurch Boys’ High Old Boys side assembled at CBHS Straven 1.

Captained by former first-class cricketers Jeremy Benton and Todd Astle, the sides were packed with current and former sporting stars, headlined by All Blacks legends Will Jordan and Colin Slade.

We also welcomed, and I probably should have started with this, none other than Prime Minister Chris Luxon.

Innings 1

The Old Boys XI won the toss and elected to bowl first. After a quick warm-up to shake off a bit of rust, welcome speeches and a few group photos, Matt Ede and Andrew Duncan strolled out to the middle for the BetterMan side.

Duncan could not take advantage of the “can’t get out first ball” rule and was expertly caught in the first over by Jordan off the bowling of Sam Davis.

Nick Johnston, who recently completed a half Ironman every day of November to raise funds for BetterMan, joined Ede as the pair set about giving the innings a positive start. Ede was particularly brutal, dispatching the Prime Minister’s first three deliveries for 4, 6 and 6 before eventually falling victim to Luxon, who was equal parts relieved and ecstatic.

Former first-class cricketer Iain Robertson announced that he has still got it, sending his first ball for six over cover. Alongside Johnston, he hit a number of lusty blows.

Out for 20 and 30 respectively, the pair were followed by Mitch Shaw and Todd Astle, the latter producing the shot of the day. Astle proclaimed it was, in fact, the best shot of his life as he sent Mat Austin back over his head for six, the ball landing near the steps of the recently refurbished main building at Boys’ High, which I have to say is looking a picture.

After a decent partnership, Paul Knight plundered the ball around the park for a brisk 30. All momentum ceased when I arrived at the crease and could barely hit it off the square, blaming a multitude of factors for this unfortunate reality.

Mike Green came in for the departing Shaw, who was caught off the bowling of Luxon to give the PM his second scalp, and promptly smashed his first two balls for four, proving that my lack of runs was purely down to a lack of ability.

All Blacks legends Colin Slade and Will Jordan both showed their versatility in the field, with it being the latter I particularly struggled to get past the 30-metre circle.

Thankfully, left-arm fast bowler Ed Nuttall turned to off-spin, allowing me to sneak a boundary away before he gained his revenge, having me caught by Davis. Mark Barnes, batting at number 10, faced the final couple of balls and remained not out, much to the delight of former CBHS head boy Jake Bailey, who was number 11 for the BetterMan side and had not held a bat in over a decade.

Wickets were shared around, with Davis, Nuttall, Slade, Austin, Hantz and Jordan all picking up one apiece, while Luxon finished with a couple.

By this stage, a decent crowd had amassed and a horde of kids took full advantage of the change-of-innings break by playing out on the pitch. For me, this was one of the highlights of the day. While mental and physical wellbeing are often talked about, it is the equally important third leg of the stool, social wellbeing, that plays such a strong role in people’s happiness. Bringing the community together is a big part of what we are trying to achieve with BetterMan.

Innings 2

Steaming in off the long run, Mark Barnes managed to clean-bowl former Black Cap Llorne Howell before the All Black duo of Slade and Jordan steadied the ship with a quick-fire partnership.

Once dismissed, CBHS Headmaster Nic Hill caressed a number of classy off-drives before he too departed.

Before this match, the only bowling I had done recently was to my kids out the back of the house on a pitch barely 12 yards long, so the thought of delivering the full 22 yards was a little daunting. I was just hoping I could get the ball down the other end without it bouncing eight times. Thankfully, none of our bowlers embarrassed themselves, in fact, I would go as far as saying they were all really good. Sure, there was some questionable fielding, but we still took a number of catches, including Jake Bailey, who redeemed himself after a prior spill in which time seemed to stand still as he made multiple attempts.

Gareth Brooks, a former Blacksticks representative, joined Mat Austin and Daniel Stanley in making solid contributions for CBHS through the middle of the innings, with Stanley launching several hefty blows into the crowd.

Prime Minister Luxon survived a couple of close chances but kept the strike rotating, until Todd Astle’s competitive spirit got the better of him and he ran the PM out with a direct hit.

The star of the show for CBHS was undoubtedly captain Jeremy Benton, who sent the ball flying to all corners of the ground. Alongside Ed Nuttall, he reduced the equation to nine runs required from the final over.

After a couple of boundaries, Astle was hoping to recreate the heroics of his famous hat-trick against Movember under lights at Hagley Oval a few years back.

Unfortunately for us, former Black Cap Geoff Allott, who was umpiring (and, I have to mention, a staunch CBHS Old Boy 🤣), turned down Astle’s vociferous LBW appeal on the penultimate ball, with the ensuing leg bye ensuring CBHS secured victory with a ball to spare.

In the end, Barnes, Knight, T Astle, Shaw, Green, and Duncan all claimed wickets, apologies if I’ve missed anyone.

The old cliché, “cricket was the winner on the day,” couldn’t feel more appropriate.

Post-match speeches followed, and it was great to hear that the Prime Minister enjoyed his day and encouraged us to continue our work in men’s mental health.

We wrapped up with a BBQ, not before Todd handed over the trophy to Jeremy and his Old Boys side.

One of the reasons Todd, Ged, and I started BetterMan was to role-model good values to our children: helping others and giving things a go. It was fantastic that they could be at the game and meet the Prime Minister.

Whatever your political persuasion, you have to respect it when someone in a position of power genuinely takes an interest in what you and your children do and is authentic in their interactions. Throughout the day, the Prime Minister made the time to speak with everyone who had gathered, young and old alike. He was easy to talk to, and I could happily stand around a BBQ with him, shooting the breeze for hours. It’s rare to have that kind of access to a national leader, and it’s experiences like this that make me happy to be a New Zealander.

THANKS To...

Events like this couldn't happen without the support of sponsors, friends and family that helped us out. So, a huge thanks to the following:

Prime Minister Chris Luxon for taking the time out of his busy schedule to fit in a charity cricket match.
National MP for Ilam Hamish Campbell for doing the same.
Nic Hill, Janelle Wilson and Christchurch Boys' High School for playing hosts.
Mathew Austin, Simon Carter, Colin Slade, TK Buchanan and the CBHS Old Boys Association for doing the heavy lifting in organising the game.
Sponsors Amicus Insurance Brokers, Forsyth Barr, CA Architecture, Carter's Consultants.
Robbie Fisher from Ghost&Co, and Emma Breitmeyer from Around the Wicket for the photos and videos.
Geoff Allott and Simon Carter for umpiring.
Ged, Courtney van Beek, and Courtney's kids who collected donations for BetterMan.
To all of the players that answered the call and, given many hadn't played in a while, for putting up with the post-game pains.
To all those that came along and watched the game and donated towards the BetterMan cause.