The ACC XI vs The Movember XI at Eden Park

Some of New Zealand’s finest sportspeople and greatest sporting moments have occurred at the Garden of Eden, Eden Park.

To kick off Testicular Cancer Awareness Month the Movember XI and the Alternative commentary Collective XI resumed perhaps the most socially competitive cricket rivalry in New Zealand cricket, the “Battle of the Balls”.

The reason, getting together with mates. The goal, victory. The message, know your nuts.

The ACC had flown in former All Black skipper and current social cricketer Kieran Read to lead the ACC due to his experience at Eden Park and because he has played sport in front of more than 50 people. His mere presence clearly settled the ACC as the realities of having to back up their extensive chat on NZ’s most famous ground was creating some nerves and early signs of in fighting.

Read called Hills, won the bat toss, and did what all great leaders would do, put the pads on and went out to bat with the walking run out, Jason Hoyte. The next 30 mins can only be described as carnage, Dai Henwood was Hoyte’s latest run out victim, the lowest score of 26 on Eden Park was safely passed 6 down but at the 10 over drinks break the ACC were 9 down with lights not even close to being turned on.

In a strange anomaly the ACC and in particular ACC head G-lane are particularly good at admin. Sighting a little known competitive social cricket rule that 20/20 matches are in fact 20 overs v 20 overs, the ACC began to roll back through their batting order which created scenes like Saturday morning junior cricket. This saw the ACC rally and post a competitive, 155 for 15.

The Movember XI were confident they could chase the runs but the opportunity to win their first match ever saw an inspired effort in the field from ACC and when the dust settled Movember finished 143/5.

A fantastic match played in front of Movember and the ACC’s best supporters. Huge thank you to Eden Park for letting the players and guests create memories they will never forget. A victory for the ACC but more importantly an opportunity to promote Testicular Cancer Month, men’s health, with mates, for mates.

Testicular cancer is the #1 cancer in younger guys. But good news: it's highly curable when caught early. Guys across the world are getting to know their nuts and you can too.

This Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, learn how to give your nuts a feel. Get to know what's normal for you. So if you notice a change - or that something doesn't feel right - you'll know to act on it.