Otago Boys’ High School have claimed the historic Heathcote Williams Shield for the first time in school history, following their traditional interschool victory over Christ’s College.

A strong team performance with the ball, and an impressive second innings effort with the bat saw OBHS emerge with an outright victory.

The victory ended an impressive run for Christ’s College, including a 27-match streak of defending the title.

The Heathcote Williams Shield was presented to the New Zealand Cricket Council in 1908 to be played for by all the secondary schools of New Zealand.

Presented by Edward Heathcote Williams, the purpose of its introduction was to develop skilled young cricketers through competition and grow good sportsmanship across the young men challenging for the shield.

Otago Boys’ HS 1st XI captain, Ollie Turnbull, was delighted to secure the HWS against the old foe, Christ’s College.

“It’s pretty special winning the Heathcote Williams Shield for the first time in the school's history,” said Turnbull.

“We know the Shield holds a lot of history, and the boys’ have enjoyed doing some research since our win,”

“We have had a couple chances to beat Christ's in the last few years so it's nice to get over the line against them.”

Turnbull was excited at the prospect of defending the Shield against Southland Boys’ High School next week.

“We’re all super excited for our upcoming interschool against one of our oldest rivals from down south,” said Turnbull.

“We know it will be a great challenge, and an awesome opportunity to try and defend the Shield on Littlebourne for the first time.