150 players from all parts of New Zealand travelled to Lake Taupo for the annual New Zealand Kindred Cup tournament, hosted by Seddon Cricket Club.

All 12 teams that entered this year’s tournament brought plenty of colour and enthusiasm to what will go down as one of the great cricket tournaments this country has seen, for Over 35 year old players.

For clubs to be invited in to play for the New Zealand Kindred Cup, they must display and respect the ethos of Kindred Cricket which is playing cricket in a fashion that promotes good sportsmanship through respect, humility and care for each other.

The comradery between the teams was evident throughout the two days. Players rekindled some old friendships while many formed new friendships that will no doubt last a lifetime. The NZ Kindred Cup is possibly one of the greatest networking opportunities within cricket in New Zealand as players from all walks of life are connected through the platform our wonderful game gives to people.

The games were competitive as usual and as they should be. There were many fine players on display who have lost none of their boyhood cricket abilities. It is always a talking point after the tournament, but the general consensus is that the playing quality of this year’s tournament surpassed the previous four tournaments.

Clifton County Cricket Club were crowned champions for the first time in their history. A magnificent achievement from the men of Hawkes Bay. Clifton has a rich history and as a club they have provided many memorable playing opportunities for cricketers across the country. There is always something about playing that teal cap. To win the tournament they had to do it the hard way – they had to beat 3 time champions The Willows Cricket Club, new ‘kids’ on the block Kaimai Cricket Club, the United Country & Vineyards Cricket Club who are always title contenders, and then they defeated defending champions Seddon Cricket Club in the final with a convincing display of batting and fielding.

Other teams to take away silverware were Ocean Beach County Cricket Club, also from Hawkes Bay, who won the Plate Championship. The Willows Cricket Club won the Trophy Championship while Wanaka Old Boys Cricket Club took away the Karori Cup for best Kindred Spirit during the tournament.

This successful tournament would not have been possible if it wasn’t for so many fantastic contributors. Here they are:

Major Sponsors – Grassroots Trust and Paladin Sports

Special Partners – Good George Brewing, Gatorade New Zealand, Two Mile Bay Sailing Club

Thank you to the following:

Ariki Hamilton – Caterer

Kookaburra Cricket AUS and NZ

Umpires - Evan John Gray, Rod Newton, Warren Rowbo Brown, Jackson Foster, Don Warner

Tracey Symon from Good George

Michelle Dando, Colin Hickey, Colin Groves and Kirsten Stevens from Seddon Cricket Club

Local King Country Legends - Keith Middlemiss & Josh Standen

Groundsman - Ben Sherrif

Taupō District Council

Taupo DeBretts Hot Springs & Water Park

Lakefront Lodge Taupo

Lake Taupo Motor Inn

Craig Foster at Les Harrison Transport

And to the following clubs for once again representing their clubs and regions so proudly:

Clifton County Cricket Club

Seddon Cricket Club

United Country and Vineyard Cricket

Haberdashers Cricket Club

The Willows Cricket Club

Greytown Cricket Club

Wanderers Cricket Club

Queens Street Cricket Club

Ocean Beach County Cricket Club

Kaimai Cricket Club

Wanaka Old Boys Cricket Club

North Shore Cricket Club