This season saw the evolution of the club-based youth competition; Summer Series (formally known as Club of Origin). The purpose of the Summer Series is to provide an additional playing opportunity for cricketers during the youth years to represent and connect back-in with their club.

Community Cricket Manager Dean Bartlett said the intent of the Summer Series is to connect youth players back to their clubs.

“We understand that many players move from their clubs at the end of Year 8 into the college space, and often lose their connection with their club. In collaboration with the clubs, we created an offering that aims to retain the connection junior players (Year 8 and below) make with their clubs through to the youth or college years to increase the chance of them playing or being in cricket as long as possible and hopefully entering into senior cricket.”

During the 2020/21 season, four competitions were delivered to cater to the different wants and needs of the playing group, with seasonal longer format or multiple-day tournament shorter format options available. These ranged from 40 over games to T20 games and U13 to U17.

Overall, 55 teams from 14 clubs played over the four competitions available. The Boys U15 T20 Tournament in January was the most successful with 16 teams from 14 out of the 16 major clubs represented.

Bartlett was pleased with the buy-in from the club network and the increase in teams and clubs from the 2019/20 season.

“The biggest increase was in the U15 space with combined teams entered between the two formats being 36 which was double last season. To see players back having fun with their club-mates and running around in the sun in their club colours is amazing to see.”

Auckland Cricket introduced the ‘Martin Snedden Cup’ this season to recognise the overall winners. The teams gained points from finishing positions in each tournament, the main purpose of the Cup is to unite teams who may be playing in different competitions from the same club and promote club loyalty and recognition.

Bartlett said it was a great opportunity for Auckland Cricket to acknowledge Martin Snedden’s contribution to cricket.

“We were honoured to name the Cup after Martin recognising all he has done for the cricket community and especially in the youth space, we could not have dreamed up a more deserving person and are humbled he agreed.”

The inaugural winners of the Martin Snedden Cup were Howick Pakuranga.

Auckland Cricket will continue to work with key stakeholders to evolve the Summer Series and how it works in harmony with College and District Cricket to provide high-quality experiences to all cricketers regardless of motivation or ability.

Congratulations to all who played in 2020/21, and we look forward to next season!

Competitions Winners:

• U13 LO40 Series Blue Grade: Howick Pakuranga, White Grade: Eden Roskill
• U15 LO40 Series Blue Grade: Howick Pakuranga, White Grade: Grafton
• U15 Boys T20 Grade – Suburbs New Lynn
• U17 T20 Grade – Hibiscus Coast