Cricket: Declaration format starts this weekend

Expert Turf premier cricket moves to the next phase this weekend, with round one of the red-ball “declaration” format getting underway.

After two weekends of T20 action - the first a false start where soggy conditions put a lid on the opening weekend of the season, but the second seeing a complete round of double-header cricket completed last weekend – the longer format takes up a new space through the remainder of spring and early summer.

The format has moved to the late-October/early-December timing after changes were made to the representative schedule that made the traditional pre-Christmas 50-over final unfeasible.

Instead, the declaration format, which settles the top 4 and bottom 4 sides for two-day cricket later in the year, is next off the blocks.

At least the first round will be played on artificial wickets as the ongoing heavy rainfall hangs around and makes grass pitches too difficult to get into shape.

The feature clash of the first week is the always hotly-fought city derby between defending triple champions Nag N’Noggin NPMU and last season’s three times beaten finalists Merit RV NPOB. To be played on Webster Field at NPBHS, the match is sure to showcase the quality of cricketers in both sides.

Metcalfe Real Estate Hawera United had a strong season in the format last year, and will look to pick back up where they left off, up against a Stumble Inn Woodleigh side that finished the red ball competition last year.

Stratford plays host to NPBHS 1st XI at Stratford High School, while Whitaker Civil FDMC welcomes Civil Logistics Inglewood to the school, in a game both would have circled in the pre-season.

Mainly fine weather is forecast, with games scheduled to begin at 10.30am.

Live scores and full competition information is available here at Play HQ: https://www.playhq.com/.../expert-turf-senior.../f6395e35/R1

Meanwhile, the T20 competition now pauses until mid-January.

The table going into the break has a familiar look to it with NPOB and NPMU sitting one and two on the ladder, both having won both their games last weekend.

Stratford and NPBHS round out the top four, with the school First XI in a good place after a solid win over Inglewood last weekend.

Tied on points with them, but sitting out of the top four for now, are Hawera and Inglewood, with each having picked up a win and a loss last weekend.

The FDMC First XI and Woodleigh are yet to register their first wins.

Full competition details including the ladder, scorecard and upcoming draw, are available here at PlayHQ: https://www.playhq.com/.../expert-turf.../ded9eb9f/ladder

New life membership for Taranaki Cricket

Taranaki’s greatest international cricketer and a legend of the women’s game, Aimee Watkins, has become the newest Life Member of the Taranaki Cricket Association.

Watkins was awarded the honour at the association’s 130th AGM at Pukekura Park last night (Monday, October 20, 2025).

Her contribution to the game on and off the field in Taranaki was hailed as outstanding by TCA deputy chairman Greg Shearer, who said there was no doubt she deserved acknowledgement as a Life Member.

Nominated by her Woodleigh Cricket Club, she was acknowledged for her outstanding representative and international career that included more than 140 games for the White Ferns, including as captain from 2009-11.

It also rounds out a set of Life Memberships at Woodleigh, Central Districts and the MCC (Lords) as well as Honourary Membership of New Zealand Cricket.

Watkins said TCA was an organisation she was very grateful towards, for the opportunities it provided her over the past 30 years.

“My playing career started at 13, with my first Taranaki women’s match in Opunake, and this has led on to a varied career of playing, coaching, managing, commentating and being a TCA Board Director within the region over the past 30 years. Representing Taranaki has given me a lot of joy and I have always treasured the special memories and moments that have come with this, especially on the field.”

Watkins said a supportive family upbringing had been a key factor in her success.

“I was taught to hit, kick, throw and catch before I could walk and was always encouraged to try a variety of different sports. My family support through my younger years was vital as they were always there to provide unconditional positive support from the sidelines, alongside my husband and daughters further down the track.”

She paid tribute to the quality facilities TCA had provided in her time and noted it was great news that work was underway at the Sulzberger Centre for a new generation of players to be inspired to continue down the cricket pathway.

She also extended a special thank you to NPGHS (specifically, Eddie Brown) and Woodleigh Cricket Club who were an important part of her journey.

Watkins is finishing a three-year term as a Board Director with TCA, but is still involved in helping with the Bartercard Taranaki women’s cricket team and with the newly formed Woodleigh premier women’s team. She is replaced on the Board by Inglewood’s Aaron Zame.

In another change at the top table, former Taranaki centurion and CD captain Ian Snook replaced legendary scorer Thelma Luxton as President after her three-year term.

Snook has been involved with the game in Taranaki for more than half a century, his most recent role involving working with the 2024/25 Hawke Cup winning Whitaker Civil men’s side, and he said he was excited to continue his involvement with TCA in the role of President.

Despite the very successful on-field results of the 2024/25 season, the year had been challenging from a financial perspective and the posted deficit of $23k reflected a tough environment, with reduced funding income making a big impact. Unexpected maintenance costs at Pukekura Park and extra costs incurred through hosting Hawke Cup defences also impacted the bottom line.

On the whole the association remains financially sound, with net assets of $295k including $179k in the bank and $110k in investments.

The complex financial impact of a major extension project at the Sulzberger Indoor Cricket Centre, currently underway and due to be finished in February, was also noted.

Meanwhile, a new TCA Constitution was passed, enabling the association to remain an incorporated society under updated legislation introduced in 2022. GM Ryan Evans said the update had been a big piece of work but was satisfied the end result was a modern and fit-for-purpose governance structure to ensure the continued success of the sport in the province.