The Preview: BWCUCC Premiership
Burnside West Christchurch University Cricket Club | September 30, 2025
The Burnside West Christchurch University Premiers head into 2025/26 looking to build on one of the most successful campaigns in club history. Last season, the side claimed two trophies and reached the final in the third competition — a testament to their consistency and depth across formats.
Rather than a complete overhaul, the focus this summer is on fine-tuning and giving opportunities to the next generation. With key players moving on to higher honours or time away, the stage is set for fresh faces to step into bigger roles.
We spoke with captain Matt Hay about the season ahead, the lessons learned, and the players to watch.
Q: What are you most looking forward to this season?
Hay: I’m really excited to see the young guys come through and take their opportunities as their roles grow. With Scott Janett and Oscar Jackson picking up domestic contracts and Henry Christie heading overseas to study, there are gaps in the batting line-up. We’ve got a group of skilful young players who’ve been waiting for their chance — now they get to step up and lead. Watching how they develop will be really rewarding.
Q: What lessons did the team take from last season?
Hay: Last year was a really successful one, but the biggest takeaway was how important batting partnerships are for us. When we built partnerships, especially at the top, we were very hard to beat. On the flipside, in the one-day competition when we stuttered, it often came down to not being able to string those partnerships together. Turning starts into match-winning innings is going to be key this year.
Q: As captain, what goals have you set for the side this year?
Hay: The main goal is to create an environment where guys can enjoy their cricket, push themselves, and achieve their individual aspirations. If we get that right, I’ve got no doubt we’ll be in the mix across all three competitions again. Success tends to follow when players are thriving and challenging themselves.
Jackson Latham has lead the Burnside attack for a number of years.
Q: What do you see as the team’s biggest strengths this year?
Hay: Our pace attack has been the backbone of this side for years. The partnership of Jackson Latham and Alex Tait with the new ball is a massive weapon — they’ve been consistently delivering and together they usually take around 100 wickets a season. Around them, we’ve got an exciting group of younger seamers: Adam Winter, Matt Lewis, and Curtis Millard all hit the bat hard, while Rohan Thompson and Nick Smith can move the ball and really test defences. The blend of experience and youth in the attack is a big strength for us.
Callum Hill returns after a stint in Sydney.
Q: Any players supporters should keep an eye on?
Hay: Three guys stand out: Adam Winter, Tom Turner, and Callum Hill. Adam burst onto the scene last year — he bowls quick and can clear the ropes, which is an exciting combination. Tom Turner returned to his junior club last season, made an impressive start in senior cricket, and he’s the kind of modern player who can change a game with bat, ball, or in the field. Callum Hill has come back from Sydney and brings experience and solidity to the top order. He’ll raise standards and expectations in our batting line-up.
Clip from BeaconPoint Cricket with Chris Rogers - The First 20 balls
