https://www.ndcricket.co.nz/waikato-valley

Waikato Valley Cricket Association, Seddon Park, Seddon Road, Hamilton (2026)

04/10/2026

ASK THE CAPTAIN: Liam Hayman’s Season Predictions 🏏

The season is almost here — so who’s Liam backing? 👀

With the new season kicking off next weekend, we caught up with Morrinsville Piako captain Liam Hayman to get his predictions on the campaign ahead. Who’s the player to watch? Who will top the runs and wickets? And what’s the boldest call he’s willing to make?

After winning last season’s two-day competition and narrowly missing out in the T20 and one-day formats, Morrinsville Piako will be looking to build on that success and make another push for silverware.

What are your expectations for the team this season?

“Our expectation is to have another enjoyable season, which I think we do really well with our team culture. The goal is always to win every competition we enter. After winning the two-day competition last season and narrowly missing out in the T20 and one-day comps, we’re looking for more of the same, especially with some good young players coming through.”

Which team are you most looking forward to facing?

“Some of the strong Counties Manukau sides are always a good contest, but it’s hard to go past Cambridge, who we consider our big derby match-up, no matter the occasion.”

Who’s your player to watch this season?

“Aman Awasthi, who’s come from Star University. He’s a classy batter and also a handy bowling option.”

Who do you think will be your leading run-scorer?

“Girvacques De Jager. He was our top run-scorer last season and, when he’s on, he’s a sight to behold!”

Who will take the most wickets?

“Curtly Harper. He’s always taken plenty of poles for us when available, and if he can string a full season together, he’ll no doubt be in the running.”

What’s your boldest prediction for the season?

“Cougar finally gets the long-awaited half-century monkey off his back!”

We’re not sure whether Cougar will be feeling inspired or slightly concerned after reading that one. 😁

With the season kicking off next weekend, Morrinsville Piako will be looking to turn those predictions into reality — and we’ll certainly be keeping an eye on Cougar’s quest for that elusive 50!

MorrinsvillePiako

02/10/2026

NZC Youth Fast Bowling Challenge entries are OPEN! 🏏

Think you’ve got the pace? We want to see some serious speed from across the Valley!

Boys and girls can enter now for a chance to be crowned among New Zealand’s fastest young bowlers.

🏏 Enter at nzc.nz/fastbowling
📱 Get a FREE six-month Yorker app subscription to register your fastest deliveries.
🏆 The five fastest bowlers in each cohort, plus a Yorker Wildcard, will win an NZC prize pack and a trip to Wellington to compete in the finals at Cello Basin Reserve!

Could the Valley have the next pace sensation?

Get those run-ups sorted and entries in!

30/09/2026

🌟 MEET THE BOARD | BRANDON WEAL 🌟

If you’ve been around Waikato Valley Cricket for a while, chances are you already know Brandon Weal.

From playing as a junior, to the men’s team, and even a season as manager, Waikato Valley has been part of Brandon’s life for as long as he can remember.

Now happily retired from playing, Brandon has joined the Board — seeing it as “the perfect way to stay involved and give something back.”

With his long history Waikato Valley, Brandon brings plenty of experience and a strong understanding of the association.

“I want to use that to help drive growth and support cricket across the region.”

And he’s seen plenty of growth already.

Over the past 20 years, Brandon has watched Valley go from sides that struggled to be competitive to achieving success across all age groups.

“There’s something quite special about this region, the players we produce, and the way the community comes together around the game.”

Now, he’s looking forward to seeing what the next generation can achieve.

Away from cricket…

Brandon has had some pretty memorable adventures too!

In 2023, he spent two weeks doing conservation work with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation in Namibia — an experience that included a rhino charging their vehicle and changing a flat tyre in front of a herd of elephants. 🐘

As Brandon puts it:

“Good stories to have now, wasn’t super thrilled about it at the time.” 😂

These days, Brandon and his partner also have a puppy who is “very cute, but very expensive” — and provides a pretty good excuse to get outdoors and explore some new places.

As a Board member, Brandon hopes to “drive meaningful change and build a platform that’s going to help the sustainability of Waikato Valley going forward.”

We’re excited to have someone with Brandon’s history, passion and love for the Waikato Valley joining the Board.

Welcome, Brandon! 👏

28/09/2026

🏏 COUNTDOWN TO CRICKET | MEET PETE ZANZOTTERA ☀️

We caught up with Northern Districts Community Manager Pete Zanzottera to talk about the season ahead.

The outlook is certainly positive, with numbers on the rise and clubs getting ready for the season.

“I’m happy to report that things look really positive right now. Numbers are trending up and all of the districts and clubs that I come across are excited about the upcoming summer.”

For Pete, cricket is about much more than what happens on the field. It’s about people, connections and making a difference in the community.

“It sounds a bit cheesy, but honestly I love the fact that we work in an industry where we can make people’s lives better through activity.”

Waikato Valley Cricket also plays an important role in the wider game, with its diverse communities providing a valuable insight into the health of cricket across New Zealand.

“Waikato Valley plays a massive role in not just the Northern Districts community, but in the New Zealand Cricket community as well.”

Pete is also excited about the opportunities ahead for local clubs and the work being done to strengthen community connections.

“We are really lucky to now have Louise Ramsay on board as the Operations Manager with the Valley, who is doing an awesome job in connecting with her clubs and communities.”

His message to clubs is to keep the conversations going and make the most of those connections.

“The more we know about what communities want, the more we will get our offerings right!”

And, of course, no season would be complete without recognising the people who make it all happen. Pete was quick to thank the volunteers working behind the scenes to give players and families a great experience.

His final message to everyone heading into the season sums it up perfectly:

“Sport is fun! Win or lose, enjoy each game, make new friends and create new memories.” 🏏💚

Bring on another summer of cricket, community spirit and great memories! ☀️

25/09/2026

🏏 Cricket, sunshine and plenty of smiles! ☀️

A huge thank you to Korakonui School for having us along yesterday!
It was fantastic getting the students involved, learning some new skills and hopefully creating a few future cricket stars along the way! 🙌

Big thanks to Wads for putting the students through their paces and making the sessions so much fun.

Thanks for having us Korakonui!🏏

23/09/2026

🏏 MEET OUR NEW BOARD CHAIRMAN – SAM NOWLAND

We’re pleased to introduce Sam Nowland as our new Board Chairman as we look ahead to another season of cricket across the Waikato Valley.

Sam grew up in the Waikato before heading to Wellington for university and later spending time in Queensland, before returning home. Cricket has been a constant along the way, with Sam playing in all three places.

Away from the cricket field, Sam is a geologist — which perhaps explains why he’s “slowly gaining an appreciation of Patumahoe clay!”

Why take on the role?

“I can be a voice for the sport in our area, which while it has plenty of opportunities, it is also incredibly diverse, so a one-size-fits-all approach does not work for us.”

Sam sees plenty of potential in the people already involved.

“We have so many good and passionate people in our area. It’s our job to give them the resources, confidence and space to make the impact they can.”

Communication and listening are also high on Sam’s list.

“Communication is important, letting people know what is happening behind the scenes, or where help is needed. Looking after and listening to the margins can make a significant impact.”

And then there’s the interesting stuff… 🌏

If you’re wondering what else makes Sam tick, his sporting CV takes a few unexpected turns.

He’s played touch rugby on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), soccer at altitude near Machu Picchu and golf in North Korea. 🏉⚽⛳

That’s quite the sporting itinerary — and certainly not the usual list of weekend cricket destinations!

Sam’s message to our cricket community

“I think cricket is an amazing (and frustrating) sport, and I genuinely want the appropriate level of the sport available to anyone who wants to play it.”

And if you’ve got plans, need some help or have an achievement worth celebrating, Sam has one simple request:

“Please don’t be shy, let us know.”

Welcome to the Chair, Sam. Here’s to building on what we have, embracing what’s ahead, and making sure there’s a place in the game for everyone. 🏏

20/09/2026

🏏 3 WEEKS TO GO!

As the countdown to the season continues, let’s keep scenes like this firmly on the other side of the world!

Bring on the cricket, the sunshine and plenty of good times on and off the field! 🏏☀️

18/09/2026

🌟Recognition Post: Brett Christopher - Former WVCA Board Chair 🌟

When Brett first got involved with Waikato Valley Cricket, he admits he had “genuinely no idea what I was doing” and was “pretty much making up numbers in the beginning.” What started as simply putting his hand up became years of service, leadership, and commitment to the game he loves.

Taking on the Board Chair role was never about personal ambition. In Brett’s words, he “probably didn’t really want to do it.” But at a time when Valley Cricket faced significant challenges, he stepped up because he understood what was needed and had built strong relationships that would help support the future of cricket in our region.

If you ask Brett what he’s most proud of from his time as Chair, his answer reflects the humble way he has approached the role: “I tried my best. I genuinely just wanted to leave it in a better place.” That simple goal has guided years of service and leadership, helping ensure Waikato Valley Cricket is stronger for the future.

One of Brett’s favourite cricket memories is watching Zak Gibson make his Northern Districts debut in 2016, a proud moment that reflects his passion for seeing local players succeed. But at the heart of it all is a genuine love for the game. As Brett puts it, “I just want to have a rum and watch/play/talk cricket.”

His message to our cricket community is one worth remembering: “It is important to give back to this game that has given so much. Big or small, Valley needs your help.” At a time when grassroots cricket faces real challenges, Brett believes the future depends on everyone working together to keep the game strong.

On behalf of everyone at Waikato Valley Cricket, thank you, Brett, for stepping up when the job needed doing, for your leadership, your honesty, and your commitment to our players, clubs, volunteers, and cricket community.

As Brett steps away from the Chair role, he is looking forward to spending more of his energy with his three girls at home. We thank him for everything he has given to Waikato Valley Cricket and wish him and his family all the very best for the future.

16/09/2026

🌟 New Team Spotlight: Welcome Thames Strikers! 🌟

Waikato Valley Cricket is excited to welcome Thames Strikers to our B Grade Competition for the 2026/27 season. We're thrilled to have another passionate club joining our cricket community and look forward to seeing them take the field this summer.

The Thames Strikers story began when "a group of friends and cricket enthusiasts gathered after work simply to enjoy the game, have some fun and build friendships." What started as a casual pastime soon grew into a team united by a shared passion for cricket and community.

In 2023, the team entered its first tennis-ball cricket tournament in Rotorua, marking the beginning of the Thames Strikers journey. Since then, the club has evolved into a hard-ball cricket side and the host of the Thames Golden Premier League."What started as a tennis ball cricket team has now flourished to a hard ball playing team which each and every one of us is proud of."

When asked to describe their culture in three words, the answer was simple:
💛"Resilience"
🤝"Camaraderie"
⚡"Synergy"

The club is excited to be joining our B Grade competition, saying "We are excited that a rural team can be part of a wider community, keen to learn and hone skills from other experienced colleagues."

Keep an eye on Jubin Jose, described as the team's "pinch hitter and run machine," and Ajith Pal Singh, their "reliable medium-pace spearhead," who are both expected to make an impact this season.

Most importantly, Thames Strikers pride themselves on being about more than cricket. "We are not just a sporting club but also uphold traditional and cultural values." That commitment to community makes them a fantastic addition to our competition.

Please join us in giving Thames Strikers a warm Waikato Valley Cricket welcome. We wish the club all the very best for their inaugural B Grade season and look forward to seeing them in action this summer! 👏🏼🏏

A big thank you to Jithin Abhi for providing insights into their club.

13/09/2026

📣 CRICKET IS COMING | FOUR WEEKS TO GO!!

Only four weeks until cricket returns across the Waikato Valley.
Clubs and schools across the region are getting ready for another season, with senior, junior and secondary school cricket just around the corner.

🏏 Senior Cricket
🏏 Junior Cricket
🏏 Secondary School Cricket

Now’s the time to dust off the gear, get back to training, and start counting down!

Where will you be playing your cricket this season? Comment👇🏼

Waikato Valley Cricket Association

04/10/2026

02/10/2026

30/09/2026

28/09/2026

25/09/2026

23/09/2026

20/09/2026

18/09/2026

16/09/2026

13/09/2026

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Organization

Shortcuts

Share

Listing takedown request