Double tonne for Northcott in Hawera colours

Will Johnston 

Photo: Hawera United Cricket Club Facebook page

The love of the game and a good group of players is the driving force behind Robert Northcott’s cricketing achievement.  

On Saturday, the 28-year-old notched up 200 premier matches for the Hawera United Cricket Club in the opening round of the Alpha Sport one-day competition.  

The lefthander joins Stephen Bachelor and Chris Stephens as the club’s double centurions.   

Northcott was bowled over by his achievement.  

“I love it, yeah, I don’t know what else to say,” he said.  

In his 14th season for the club, he said there are a few stand out moments.  

Last year, he scored 98 against New Plymouth Marist United in a Twenty20 match which was “pretty good.” 

“I also scored a couple of hundreds against Francis Douglas [four seasons ago]. They were some good memories.” 

Northcott was also a left-arm spinner for Taranaki in 2012/13, but now he’s more focused on his batting.  

“I’ve let the young guys come in and take over.” 

Nick Walker and Cody McGrath have been with Northcott this entire time.  

“I’ve grown up with some of them, it’s a great culture with the guys.” 

Hawera cricket manager Kerry ‘Chook’ Fowler said there’s not many Taranaki cricketers who could match Northcott’s contribution.  

“Whether it’s on the field as a hard-hitting left-hand bat and left arm off spinner, or off the field volunteering time at the club, I can always rely on Rob to front up,” he said. 

He’s stepped up this season to lead the Hawera side and Fowler said he’s got every confidence that he will do well in the role.  

“He’s earned the respect of the players around him and he’s very inclusive in his approach.” 

Off the field, Northcott is the club captain, rolls and covers the pitch and stocks the bar.  

“He’s quite a humble character and I don’t think people realise the many hours he puts in behind the scenes to support the club,” Fowler said.  

Both Northcott and Fowler reckon there is another 100 games left.  

Teammate Liam Heibner played in his 100th match on Saturday.  

The milestone match was memorable.  

Hawera beat New Plymouth Boys’ High School by seven wickets at Webster Field.  

Northcott contributed with the ball late in the first innings. He claimed 2/13 off 10 overs with three maidens. In the run chase, he opened the batting and powered through to score 42 off 25 balls in under half an hour, a strike rate of 168. It included three sixes and five fours.