Former North Shore women’s cricketers from across four decades have been recognised for their contribution to Auckland cricket, as Auckland Cricket celebrated a significant chapter in the region’s history.

Players who represented the North Shore Women’s Cricket Association (NSWCA) in First-Class and List A cricket between 1965 and 1993 were honoured at a special gathering, bringing together former players, whānau, and friends to celebrate their achievements and the legacy they created for women’s cricket.

The North Shore Women’s Cricket Club was formed in 1940/41 and competed in Auckland competitions until 1963, when members established the North Shore Women’s Cricket Association and began their own club competition.

Just two years later, North Shore made its debut in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield during the 1965–66 season, when the national women’s domestic competition was played over two-day matches.

The association quickly became an important force in women’s cricket on the North Shore, not only providing a pathway for players to compete at the highest domestic level, but also helping to grow the game among women and girls throughout the region. Within a short period, four senior women’s teams, four college teams and six primary school teams were competing in North Shore competitions.

On the field, North Shore enjoyed considerable success. The association won the national women’s domestic competition three times and, from the 1983–84 season, finished runners-up to Canterbury for six consecutive seasons.

The association also produced a remarkable list of players who went on to represent New Zealand, including Vera Burt, Bev Brentnall, Carol Oyler, Jackie Lord, Jos Burley, Judi Doull, Pat Carrick, Liz Allen, Elaine White, Carol Marett, Eileen Badham, Sue Rattray, Ev Miller, Karen Plummer, Linda Fraser, Chris Miller, Di Caird, Jeanette Dunning, Ingrid Jagersma, Lois Simpson, Katrina Molloy and Clare Nicholson.

Among those recognised at the event were members of North Shore's first team to compete in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, including Joan Ambrose, Bev Brentnall, and the family of Vera Burt. Dot Simons was also acknowledged for her role in helping establish the team.

Former players were presented with unique North Shore baggy caps by Auckland Cricket Female Pathway Manager and former White Fern and Auckland HEARTS captain Anna Peterson. Players were recognised according to the decade in which they made their North Shore debut, spanning the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.

Auckland Cricket Chief Executive Officer Ian Francis said the evening was an opportunity to recognise not only the achievements of the players, but the lasting impact they had on the game.

“Many of the women in this room played at a time when opportunities for women in sport were very different to what they are today,” Francis said. “You played because you loved the game, you represented your community with pride, and you helped create opportunities for the generations that followed.”

That legacy will take on even greater significance in the coming years, with the 2027–28 season marking the 100^th season of women’s cricket in Auckland.

Auckland Cricket plans to use the centenary as an opportunity to celebrate the full history of women’s cricket across the region – from the early pioneers through to the players, volunteers, coaches, administrators, families and supporters who continue to shape the game today.

For the North Shore players honoured, the evening provided an opportunity to reconnect with teammates, share memories and reflect on the friendships, sacrifices and achievements that defined their time in the game.

The gathering concluded with a Q&A featuring Eileen Badham, Elaine White and Ev Miller, who shared memories of their time playing for North Shore, including standout moments, the special nature of the North Shore women’s cricket community, the sacrifices involved in playing the game and some of their favourite rivalries.

Their stories are an important part of Auckland’s cricket history – and a reminder that the growth of women’s cricket today has been built over generations by those who came before.

Article added: Friday 25 September 2026