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Brothers, banter and boundaries: Gillette Cup a family affair

The National School Boys' tournament boasts four sets of brothers across the six competing teams this year in Christchurch. (Source: 1News)

Kiwi cricket fans have heard of brother combos like the Hadlees, Crowes, Marshalls and McCullums but how about the Campbells, Gardens, Turnbulls or Samsons?

The answer is probably not but they're currently out in Lincoln near Christchurch competing as part of the Gillette Cup ― an annual tournament for New Zealand's top six college First XIs.

"It's pretty unique and it's pretty awesome," said Ben Ramsay, New Zealand Cricket's head of community cricket.

"You can imagine the banter that's flying around."

Otago Boys' High School, the only team competing from last year, boasts two sets of brothers including the Garden twins.

"It's pretty cool to have one last game with my brother before we go our separate ways so we're just going to cherish these moments we have together," said Oliver Garden.

But when you're siblings, some moments aren't easily forgotten nor forgiven.

"We're not too bad but maybe there's a little bit of aggression in the field sometimes if he drops a catch or something," said Ben Turnbull.

To which little brother Ollie replied: "Oh absolutely! [I] give him a bit of lip. It's always good."

Christchurch Boys' High, who are in the box seat to take out this year's tournament given they're currently unbeaten, also have a brother act.

Callum and Ryan Samson, who bat four and five respectively, are 15 months apart in age and are often hard to tell apart due to their height difference or lack thereof.

"Sometimes we get mistaken for twins as well," Callum joked.

It's truly a family affair at this year's Gillette Cup.

Older brother Ryan takes it in his stride, also relishing playing alongside his brother for one final match before he heads to university.

"We've always grown up playing together and built a relationship through cricket and always love playing together," he said.

The same can be said for Palmerston North Boys' duo ― Matthew and Ethan Campbell ― also referencing the fact they play together makes it logistically a lot easier for their parents.

"Oh they love it... especially now I have my full license," said Ethan.

Ethan, the eldest, is the team's skipper.

"Gillette Cup is the biggest goal at school. We made it here, so hopefully we come on top," he added.

With brothers featuring in four of the six teams, it certainly adds an extra edge.

"We really want the teams to be competitive and we understand they want to do their best and win but having those other layers and the family aspect ― we just love to see it," said Ramsay.

The 2023 Gillette Cup Champions will be crowned on Friday.

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