Under the bright lights of Eden Park’s iconic World Cup Lounge, the Auckland cricket community came together on April 10th, 2025, to celebrate a season of outstanding achievements, dedication, and passion for the game. The annual Auckland Cricket Awards night honoured the individuals and teams who made their mark across all levels—from grassroots heroes in community cricket to standout performers in premier club and domestic competitions. It was a night filled with pride, reflection, and inspiration, as the region's cricketing talent was recognised in front of peers, mentors, and supporters.

COMMUNITY CRICKET AWARDS

 

 

Community Umpire of the Year - Allen Stanley

Our ACA Community Umpire of the Year is awarded to an individual who consistently goes above and beyond—both on the field and behind the scenes. This year, we are proud to recognise Allen Stanley. Allen’s commitment to the craft of umpiring is unwavering—he brings calm, clarity, and integrity to every match he officiates. His passion, reliability, and leadership have made a lasting impact on the Auckland umpiring community, and we’re delighted to honour his outstanding contribution tonight.

 

 

Community Coach of the Year - Stefanus Van Emmenis (Hibiscus Coast Cricket Club)

The Community Coach of the Year Winner is Stefanus Van Emmenis  from Hibiscus Coast Cricket Club. Stefanus is celebrated for his unwavering support of young players, both on and off the wicket. He fosters a love for cricket through goal setting, staying grounded, and ensuring his team has fun. Win or lose, he encourages and acknowledges every player's achievements, making his passion for the game truly infectious.

 

 

Outstanding Contribution to Women & Girls - Johan Kirsten (North Shore Cricket Club)

Johan has dedicated the last five years to growing women's cricket on the North Shore. His leadership has led Takapuna Grammar’s Women's First XI to three National Championship tournaments and helped North Shore Premier Women thrive in their ACA Premier return. By fostering a love for the game, building team cohesion, and creating opportunities for female cricketers, he continues to make a lasting impact.

 

 

Leadership in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award - Suburbs New Lynn Cricket Club

Creating safe and welcoming spaces for our members to participate in cricket is key to positive club cricket experiences. Leading the way in Auckland is Suburbs New Lynn Cricket Club. Reflecting on the increasing diversity of their membership, the club ensures they are adapting to these changes and ensuring the clubs is committed to support all cultures.

 

ACA Club of the Year - Suburbs New Lynn Cricket Club

Suburbs New Lynn Cricket Club has set the standard for innovation and community engagement, growing its membership through creative initiatives like registration drives at local shopping malls—making cricket more accessible, especially for girls. Their commitment to women’s cricket is undeniable, with 10 teams now competing and finishing runners-up in the Pearl Dawson Cup in just their second Premier season. Their End of Season Extravaganza has evolved into a community sports festival, strengthening ties with other local sporting clubs. With school engagement soaring, SNLCC continues to exceed expectations, proving that cricket is more than just a game—it’s a community.

 

Carson Cup | Volunteer of the Year - Lisa Kent

Going above and beyond is second nature to Lisa. In her many years of dedication to Takapuna District Cricket Club, Lisa has been an outstanding advocate for Women & Girls Cricket fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all. Lisa is a superstar at Takapuna, an asset to the club's executive team, and always ready to support where needed.

 

Simmonds & Osbourne Shield | Club of the Year - Parnell Cricket Club

Parnell has won the Simmonds and Osbourne Shield two seasons in a row, which shows the club’s development and commitment to all stages of cricket. From winning the Hedley Howarth and dominating the Women's Premier Development grades, Parnell Cricket Club shows strength throughout their club to continue winning the Simmonds and Osbourne Shield.

PREMIER CLUB CRICKET AWARDS

 

Pearl Dawson | Women’s T20 - Auckland University Premier Women

The Auckland University batters and bowlers were on display at Colin Maiden Park for the Pearl Dawson T20 Final. A strong mix of seasoned players and up-and-coming talent, the team was too strong against opponents Suburbs New Lynn winning the final by 30 runs.

 

Prichard Cup | Women’s Limited Over - Cornwall Premier Women

Having lost just one game throughout the Prichard Cup, Cornwall Premier Women were the favourites over rivals Auckland University heading into the final weekend of club cricket. And they did not disappoint. A half-century from Darcy Prasad gave the home side the start they needed. But it was Eve Meachen's 6-wicket bag that sealed the deal and ensured Cornwall Premier Women won their first Prichard Cup since 2019.

 

Martin Guptill Cup | Men’s T20 - Cornwall Premier Men

A special day for Cornwall Cricket Club as they claimed the first-ever Martin Guptill Cup title. Batting first and posting a score of 146 thanks to an exciting 60 off 54 balls by Sam Crooks, Cornwall looked in control. Takapuna's opening batters came out firing, but it was not enough against Lucas Dasent’s bowling figures through the middle overs.

 

Richard Jones Trophy | Men's One Day Minor - Birkenhead Premier Men

This season, Birkenhead has shown remarkable composure and resilience, proving time and again their ability to close out crucial matches under pressure. When it mattered most, they found a way to win. Their efforts have been rewarded in spectacular fashion—claiming the Richard Jones competition title and securing their place in the prestigious Jeff Crowe competition for the 2025/26 season. A huge congratulations to the Birkenhead Premier Men, we look forward to seeing what you can do next season!

 

Jeff Crowe Cup | Men's One Day Major - Auckland University Premier Men

In a gritty and determined performance in the finals, underdogs Auckland University defied the odds to claim victory over the favored Parnell side. Led by captain Nick Stobart and powered by a fantastic batting display from Jono Low, University seized control of the game, outplaying Parnell after a season of consistent excellence across all facets of the game.

 

Tom Hellaby Competition | Men's Two Day Minor - Howick Pakuranga Premier Men

Dominating the Tom Hellaby Competition with six wins and one draw, Howick Pakuranga showed their force with the bat throughout the season. Captain David Winn, led from the front averaging 177 runs throughout the competition. Josh McGregor scoring the match winning 180 runs on finals weekend. Howick Pakuranga has now been promoted to the Hedley Howarth Competition, and we look forward to watching them next year.

 

Hedley Howarth Competition | Men’s Two Day Major - Parnell Premier Men

Parnell Premier Men have had an outstanding season, going unbeaten in two-day cricket with five wins and just one draw. Just a couple of weekends ago, under gloomy skies, they showed their composure to secure an outright win over Suburbs New Lynn. That crucial victory sealed the title in a fiercely contested race with Takapuna at the top of the table.

 

 

Spirit of Cricket Award | Men - Parnell Premier Men

Spirit of Cricket Award | Women - Howick Pakuranga Premier Women

The Spirit of Cricket Awards recognises teams who embody the spirit of cricket through sportsmanship, communication, respect and integrity. The award is judged from the umpire scores of each team after their premier matches. It’s an assessment of the overall conduct, sportsmanship, and respect shown by the players towards the opposition, officials, and the spirit of the game. This award serves as a reflection of a team’s commitment to fair play and integrity, and it recognises those who uphold the highest standards of behaviour and respect within the sport.

 

Women’s Club Cricketer of the Year - Kate Duffield (Auckland University Cricket Club

Precision with the ball throughout the season saw our Women's Cricketer of the Year play a huge role in getting her team to two Premier Women's Finals this season. Kate Duffield ended her season with a 5-wicket bag and 32 wickets in total, including two key wickets to support Auckland University win the Pearl Dawson Cup. Kate is currently in the UK to spend a season playing cricket in Yorkshire, accepting the award on her behalf are her parents, Bridgid and John.

 

Men’s Club Cricketer of the Year - Matt Jones

A consistent force with the ball, Matt played a crucial role for his side, delivering standout performances across the season. 77 wickets, 5 5-wicket bags and 14 catches. Well done, Matt!

 

Merv Wallace Bat | Coach of the Year - Hashan Goonetilleke

Hashan Goonetilleke is awarded the prestigious Merv Wallace Bat for Premier Coach of the Year in recognition of his outstanding leadership with the Auckland University Premier Women's team. Under his guidance, the team showcased exceptional skill and determination, earning their place in two Premier Women’s finals this season and securing the Pearl Dawson Cup. His dedication, tactical acumen, and ability to inspire his players have been instrumental in the team’s success, making him a deserving recipient of this honour.

 

Laurie Schnauer Cup – Men’s Players’ Player of the Year - Aniket Parikh

Aniket's consistent all round performances have been instrumental in the team's success and his leadership has significantly influenced the team's dynamics, bringing a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to his teammates.

 

Katie Perkins Cup | Women's Players’ Player of the Year - Emily Handyside

A homecoming to be celebrated! Our Women's Players’ Player returned home to the North Shore this season to captain the club’s first Premier Women's team in 21 years. She has played a pivotal role in the club's success and is a true role model for the young players. Embodying a calm, friendly nature, it comes as no surprise she has been voted for the Katie Perkins Cup.

DOMESTIC CRICKET AWARDS

 

 

Women’s Super Smash Player of the Year - Lauren Down

With an impressive Super Smash average of 76 and a total of 304 runs across nine innings, Lauren truly embodies the role of a finisher. A fantastic team player, she consistently built strong partnerships, working brilliantly alongside Maddy Green and Bella Armstrong to help the HEARTS post imposing totals on multiple occasions. Her ability to stay calm under pressure and deliver in crucial moments made her an invaluable asset to the team this season.

 

Men’s Super Smash Player of the Year - Danru Ferns

Following up on an outstanding 2023/24 season—where he claimed this very award—Danru Ferns once again led the way for the ACES, earning a well-deserved spot in the Team of the Tournament. Danru is rapidly becoming a cult hero in the New Zealand cricket scene, thanks to his exceptional death bowling and the sheer entertainment he brings to every match. Perhaps no moment captured this better than his electrifying performance against the Kings at Eden Park, where he took three crucial wickets in the 18th over, supported by some truly spectacular catches.

 

 

Women’s Hallyburton Johnstone Shield Player of the Year - Maddy Green

Maddy Green enjoyed a remarkable season, excelling both with the bat and as captain. In outstanding form, she notched up three centuries and three fifties, finishing with an impressive average of 69.80 across 11 innings. Leading from the front, she guided the team to the final of the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield in Dunedin—where, fittingly, she delivered yet again with a brilliant 126-run performance. Her leadership, consistency, and sheer class set the standard for the team, making this a season to remember.  Congrats Maddy!

 

 

Men’s Ford Trophy Player of the Year - Cam Fletcher

A rock in the middle order, Cam was outstanding in the 2024/25 campaign, averaging 52.12 across 11 innings. His reliability extended beyond the bat—he was just as dependable and dynamic behind the stumps, claiming 11 catches and executing 2 stumpings. Time and again, Cam delivered in crucial moments, playing a pivotal role in the ACES’ journey to the Ford Trophy final.

 

 

Men’s Plunket Shield Player of the Year - Bevon-John Jacobs

Known for his explosive power hitting—both domestically and increasingly on the international stage—Bevon-John Jacobs proved this season that his game extends well beyond the short formats. In his debut first-class campaign, he looked right at home, averaging an impressive 59.50 across nine innings and marking the occasion with a brilliant maiden century, a commanding 157.

 

 

Auckland Women’s Young Cricketer of the Year - Bree Illing

This is the second time Bree has claimed this award—and rightfully so. At times, it seemed like she could move the ball at will, generating incredible swing that left batters guessing. A devastating pace bowler, Bree was just as dominant in the Super Smash as she was in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield. Her performances earned her a well-deserved call-up to the WHITE FERNS, where she made her debut against Sri Lanka and was trusted to open the bowling.

 

Auckland Men’s Young Cricketer of the Year Award - Bevon-John Jacobs

Bevon-John’s career soared to new heights with his selection by the Mumbai Indians in the 2024 IPL draft. But before that, he delivered outstanding performances for the ACES across all three formats. In addition to his stellar Plunket Shield campaign—where he was just named Plunket Shield Player of the Year—Bevon-John was just as dependable and destructive in the Ford Trophy and Super Smash. His potential was rewarded in his selection for the BLACKCAPS for the T20 squad that played Sri Lanka earlier this year.

 

 

ACES Players' Player of the Year - Cam Fletcher

When the ACES were asked to nominate their Players' Player of the Year for 2024/25, one name was chosen above the rest. For the second season running and in just his second season in blue, Cam Fletcher was picked by his teammates. A true team man, Cam is the kind of player that can be relied on on and off the park. His compassionate nature makes him perfect for a chat over coffee while his love for his team drives him on the park.

 

HEARTS Players' Player of the Year - Maddy Green

A natural leader and a calming presence to all players in her team, the HEARTS Players' Player for 2024/25 is Maddy Green! While the dominating run scorer is the Maddy we all know and love, it's the effort she puts in behind the scenes that rubs off on her fellow Auckland players the most. A empathetic character and all round great human being, she's a national treasure as far as we're concerned. 

 

Emily Drumm Trophy | Auckland Women’s Cricketer of the Year - Maddy Green

Maddy Green had an outstanding season at every level—shining in the Super Smash, dominating the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, and making her mark on the world stage as part of the White Ferns’ World Cup-winning squad. With bat in hand, she piled on the runs at every opportunity, leading the HEARTS with exceptional mana and setting the standard for those around her. Maddy is not just carving out a legacy in Auckland cricket—she is becoming a player all of New Zealand is proud of.

 

 

John Morris Trophy | Auckland Men’s Cricketer of the Year - Mark Chapman

Mark has had an extraordinary season, delivering outstanding performances across multiple formats. In the Super Smash, he showcased his consistency with an impressive average of 44.5. In List A cricket, he took things to another level, averaging a phenomenal 101.33, and in first-class cricket, he went even further, with an incredible average of 101.66. One of the standout moments of his season was his monumental 276 against Canterbury—the third-highest score ever by an Auckland representative cricketer. We’d like to present him with a plaque commemorating that very innings. And if that wasn’t enough, Mark has continued to make us proud on the international stage, recently scoring a memorable 132 against Pakistan for the Blackcaps.

Article added: Tuesday 22 April 2025