This September marks 125 years since the founding of the North Otago Cricket Association.
Cricket was first played in the district in 1864, but it wasn’t until 1892 when the Waitaki Cricket Association was formed to regulate and manage cricket in the Ashburton, South Canterbury and North Otago areas.
Due to challenges in geographical size the WCA soon lapsed, and in 1899 the North Otago Cricket Association was established as the association we know now.
NOCA chairman Peter Cameron reflected on the association’s journey.
“Over 160 years, despite challenges, including war and decline, cricket in North Otago showed resilience, celebrated achievements like hosting international teams, Hawke Cup victories, and adapted to change,” said Cameron.
“We are really proud of what we’ve been able to achieve as one of New Zealand’s smaller District Associations, and we’re keen for cricket to thrive in North Otago for many years to come,”
“The recent announcement of Nathan Smith’s BLACKCAPS contract provides fantastic inspiration for young players from our district aspiring for higher honours”.
North Otago played its first Hawke Cup challenge in 1968 against Hawkes Bay, and has played in 7 challenge matches overall, four of these coming in the last 14 years.
Of the latest four, North Otago won the Hawke Cup for their first time in 2010 against Manawatu, and had further success against Buller in 2015, then Nelson in 2021.
North Otago have a strong reputation for producing Otago Volts and Sparks, as well as a handful of New Zealand representatives.
Recently contracted BLACKCAP, Nathan Smith, is a proud Waitaki Boys' High School alumnus, Smith has played Hawke Cup cricket for North Otago since 2014.
From debuting for @OtagoCricket while still at Waitaki Boys' High School to moving to @cricketwgtninc and now an NZC Contract! Hear from Nathan Smith on his path to a central contract. Read more | https://t.co/RlGpM8Rn2K #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/H9wZhp0zft
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) September 3, 2024
Former New Zealand captain John R. Reid was linked with the association, as was test player Zin Harris, father of one Chris Harris.
Paula Flannery proudly represented New Zealand women in 17 ODIs and 1 T20I, formerly a boarder at St Kevin’s College and a 1st XI representative in Oamaru’s club competition.
NOCA will host their AGM on the 16th September and a BBQ at their Hawke Cup fixture for cricketers and supporters on Sunday 26th January.
Cameron thanked the work of vice-president Scott Cameron for bringing the anniversary to life.
