Another Central Otago teenager and Molyneux Cricket Club player is featuring in a top level team this week.

Taine Morgan (18) is playing in the Pasfika team in the Under 19 Rangitahi Cricket Festival in Tamaki Makarau Auckland starting today. 

The annual tournament celebrates cricket’s vibrant culture with girls and boys teams from Auckland South Asia U19, Pasifika U19, and Aotearoa Māori secondary schools.

Taine started playing cricket at seven, and then went on to play for Dunstan High School first XI.

Taine’s friends and family will be cheering him on, including his parents Clare Toia-Bailey and Adrian Morgan who are looking forward to the tournament.

“There’s a cultural element to the tournament, it's a different and special environment… The Pasifika team will be learning a haka,” Adrian said. 

The Pasfika U19 boys team. PHOTO: New Zealand Cricket Community Cricket Facebook

One of Taine’s teammates who also shares Samoan heritage is all rounder Solomon Nash, son of former Black Cap Dion Nash and former Silver Fern great Bernice Mene.

Alongside sporting legends: The Nash family, as Solomon Nash (fourth from left) and Taine Morgan (fifth from left) get capped for the Pasifika U19 team in Auckland. PHOTO: Supplied  

Indian born Auckland-based BLACKCAPS spinner Ajaz Patel said the Rangatahi Cricket Festival is a great initiative to introduce players to more competitive cricket, while also embracing their cultural heritage..

“It’s been awesome to see more players from different cultures and backgrounds emerging onto our professional cricket scene in recent times.

“I have no doubt a tournament like this will promote the next generation of stars.

“As a proud Indian-New Zealander, I’ll be watching the South Asian side with interest and wish them all the best,” Ajaz said.

As invitation sides, the South Asian teams won't compete for the trophy - but will play the Pasifika and Māori teams while immersing themselves in the festival's rich cultural experience.

The Pasifika U19 boys play Māori secondary schoolboys team at 10am today, and then again tomorrow at 10am with their final match against the Auckland South Asian U19 team at 2pm Thursday.  

It is the third time the Rangitahi Cricket Festival has been held.

Read more: Hannah O’Connor in NZ U19 World Cup T20 team

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