The best of Tāmaki Makaurau cricket was recognised at the 2025/26 Auckland Cricket Awards, celebrating excellence across community, club and domestic competitions, along with international achievement.

Takapuna District Cricket Club emerged as one of the standout performers of the season, claiming multiple honours including the Simmonds & Osbourne Shield as the top-performing club across the year. Strong performances across Premier Men’s and Women’s competitions reflected the club’s depth and consistency throughout the 2025/26 campaign.

Across the Premier club competitions, Takapuna Premier Men secured both the Jeff Crowe Cup for the men’s one-day major competition and the Hedley Howarth two-day championship, while Takapuna Premier Women claimed the Pearl Dawson Cup after an undefeated T20 campaign that culminated in victory over Suburbs New Lynn in the final.

Auckland University Premier Women secured the Prichard Cup, winning the women’s one-day limited overs competition, while Suburbs New Lynn Premier Men claimed the Martin Guptill Cup T20 title and the Richard Jones Trophy in the men’s one-day minor competition.

North Shore Cricket Club also enjoyed a strong season, with North Shore Premier Men winning the Tom Hellaby two-day minor competition and the club being recognised as the ACA Club of the Year.

Individual honours recognised standout performances across the summer. Simon Keene capped a remarkable season by being named the John Morris Trophy winner as Auckland Men’s Cricketer of the Year, following a campaign that included more than 600 runs and 30 wickets across formats. Keene was also named Plunket Shield Player of the Year.

Maddy Green was named the Emily Drumm Trophy winner as Auckland Women’s Cricketer of the Year after another outstanding all-round season, contributing heavily with both bat and ball while continuing to lead the HEARTS.

Other domestic award winners included Bevon Jacobs, who was named Men’s Super Smash Player of the Year after a run of five consecutive half-centuries, and Molly Penfold, whose 17 wickets earned her Women’s Super Smash Player of the Year honours.

Adi Ashok’s impact with the ball and leadership qualities saw him named Ford Trophy Player of the Year, while Maddy Green’s consistency earned her the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield Player of the Year award.

Emerging talent was also recognised, with Lachlan Stackpole named Auckland Men’s Young Cricketer of the Year following a breakthrough first-class season featuring two match-winning centuries, while Bree Illing claimed the Women’s Young Cricketer of the Year honour.

Club cricket achievements were also celebrated, including Taila Hurley of Takapuna District Cricket Club being named Women’s Club Cricketer of the Year and Brandon Mavuta of North Shore Cricket Club named Men’s Club Cricketer of the Year after claiming 67 wickets across the season.

Volunteer contributions remain central to the strength of cricket in the region, with Mandy Callender of Parnell District Cricket Club receiving the Carson Cup for Volunteer of the Year after playing a key role in developing women and girls cricket programmes.

The evening also acknowledged excellence recognised nationally, with Takapuna District Cricket Club named New Zealand Cricket Club of the Year and Adrian West recognised as NZC Official of the Year.

Several players were recognised for international representation across the BLACKCAPS, WHITE FERNS and New Zealand A teams, reflecting the continued strength of Auckland’s high performance pathway.

Special acknowledgements were made for retiring players who have made significant contributions to Auckland Cricket, including Saachi Shahri, Louis Delport, Martin Guptill and Lauren Down, each leaving a lasting legacy across more than a decade of service.

The awards highlighted the depth of talent across the Auckland cricket community, from volunteers and grassroots contributors through to domestic and international performers.

2025/26 Auckland Cricket Awards Winners

Major Awards

• John Morris Trophy – Auckland Men’s Cricketer of the Year: Simon Keene
• Emily Drumm Trophy – Auckland Women’s Cricketer of the Year: Maddy Green

Domestic Awards

• Men’s Super Smash Player of the Year: Bevon Jacobs
• Women’s Super Smash Player of the Year: Molly Penfold
• Ford Trophy Player of the Year: Adi Ashok
• Hallyburton Johnstone Shield Player of the Year: Maddy Green
• Plunket Shield Player of the Year: Simon Keene
• Auckland Men’s Young Cricketer of the Year: Lachlan Stackpole
• Auckland Women’s Young Cricketer of the Year: Bree Illing

Premier Club Competitions

Women

• Pearl Dawson Cup (Women’s T20): Takapuna Premier Women
• Prichard Cup (Women’s One Day): Auckland University Premier Women
• Women’s Club Cricketer of the Year: Taila Hurley (Takapuna District Cricket Club)

Men

• Martin Guptill Cup (Men’s T20): Suburbs New Lynn Premier Men
• Richard Jones Trophy (Men’s One Day Minor): Suburbs New Lynn Premier Men
• Jeff Crowe Cup (Men’s One Day Major): Takapuna Premier Men
• Tom Hellaby Competition (Men’s Two Day Minor): North Shore Premier Men
• Hedley Howarth Competition (Men’s Two Day Major): Takapuna Premier Men
• Men’s Club Cricketer of the Year: Brandon Mavuta (North Shore Cricket Club)

Spirit of Cricket Awards

• Premier Women: North Shore Premier Women
• Premier Men: Parnell Premier Men

Players’ Player Awards

• Laurie Schnauer Cup (Men): Michael Barry (Suburbs New Lynn) and Matt Jones (Takapuna District Cricket Club)
• Katie Perkins Cup (Women): Annie Ewart (Cornwall Cricket Club)

Coaching Award

• Merv Wallace Bat – Coach of the Year: Brad Cachopa

Community Awards

• ACA Community Umpire of the Year: Vinit Mahna
• Outstanding Contribution to Women and Girls: Susanne Martin (Takapuna District Cricket Club)
• Community Coach of the Year: Manu Donald (Waitakere Cricket Club)
• ACA Club of the Year: North Shore Cricket Club
• Carson Cup Volunteer of the Year: Mandy Callender (Parnell District Cricket Club)
• Simmonds & Osbourne Shield (Club of the Year overall): Takapuna District Cricket Club

National Recognition

• NZ Cricket Club of the Year: Takapuna District Cricket Club
• NZ Cricket Official of the Year: Adrian West

Special Acknowledgements – Retirements

• Saachi Shahri
• Louis Delport
• Martin Guptill
• Lauren Down

Article added: Friday 10 April 2026