BJ Watling was a wicket keeper–batsman that played 75 test matches for Blackcaps between the years of 2009 and 2021.

His final test was the World Test Championship Final against India, which New Zealand won. In his time playing test match cricket, BJ scored 8 centuries, with a highest score of 205 against England at Bay Oval in 2019.

BJ, currently holds the record for most dismissals by a New Zealand wicketkeeper.

BJ, lived in Tokoroa for three years before moving to Hamilton, where he was educated at Hamilton Boys High School. He played first class cricket for Northern Districts Cricket Association between the years of 2004 and 2021, accumulating 178 first class appearances.

BJ Watling was a respected member of the New Zealand national cricket team. He strived to play the game with respect, courage, humility, integrity and loyalty. The same values that Seddon Cricket Club promote to all cricketers.

The Seddon Cricket Club, in conjunction with BJ Watling, is proud to offer BJ Watling Scholarships.

Each year players, coaches, administrators and umpires who display impressive potential, will have the opportunity to receive a scholarship.

These scholarships are designed to support recipients with the cost of initiatives, that have the capacity to develop their skills, knowledge and potential, to help them excel in their future cricketing endeavours.

Over the course of the last two seasons 9 recipients have benefitted by receiving a BJ Wating Scholarship. 8 players have had some wonderful experiences while being educated about the finer arts of cricket. Seddon Cricket Club have formed many strong relationships with overseas clubs. One the strongest is the relationship we have formed with Maroochydore Cricket Club in Sunshine Coast.

Players have travelled there for two week stints and trained under the watchful eye of ex Northern Districts coach/manager, Graeme Stewart. It is an intense two weeks for the players but they all come back considerably better cricketers.

The scholarship has also been of benefit to aspiring umpire Bhavin Parshottam. Bhavin is a fantastic character and is an exceptional up and coming umpire. It was a pleasure to send Bhavin to Australia and umpire during a week-long tournament that was based in New South Wales.

To date, the BJ Watling Scholarship recipients have been:

• Hunter Crowe

• Bhavin Parshottam

• Josh Laing

• Josh Hill

• Catherine Hardie

• Cohen Stewart

• Jack Kneebone

• Riley Parkinson

• Tayden Smit

Applications open on the 1st of February 2025 for the next cycle. If you'd like to apply, please click here: https://www.seddoncricket.co.nz/bj-watling-scholarship