Auckland Māori have claimed bragging rights against Northern Māori over Labour Weekend, in what were inaugural fixtures between the two all-Māori sides.
Played at Mount Maunganui’s Blake Park, Auckland Māori were able to secure wins in both Sunday’s T20, and in Monday’s 50 over match.
Auckland’s bowling unit enjoyed a promising start to their weekend, bowling Northern out for just 74 runs in the T20.
Fast bowlers Angus Olliver (3-26) and Fraser Campbell (3-8) led the way for Auckland, ably supported by Auckland Aces representative Ben Lister (1-7).
The total proved to be well under-par, Auckland’s batters seeing the team home in 11 overs, just three wickets down.
Match Scorecard (Auckland vs Northern Māori, T20)
Northern Māori were able to post a much more competitive 211 runs in Monday’s 50 over match, thanks to a classy Mikaere Leef half-century.
Leef and the experienced Leighton Parsons (49 runs) had Northern in a position to accelerate at 25 overs, before a late flurry of Auckland wickets put a handbrake on the Northern total.
In reply, former New Zealand Maori Secondary Schools batter Jamal Todd stole the show – falling just short of a century but leading his team to victory with 94 runs.
Match Scorecard (Auckland vs Northern Māori, 50 over)
For first-class cricketer, Ben Lister, the opportunity to represent his Māori lineage was an opportunity to savour.
“For me it was very special to represent the Māori heritage in my family, especially in such a meaningful game,” said Lister.
“To play amongst other talented Māori cricketers was an awesome experience, and hopefully something I can be a part of again.”
New Zealand Cricket Kaupapa Māori lead, Andrew Tara, was heartened by what he saw on the weekend.
“It was a pleasure to watch some of Aotearoa’s best Māori talent competing over the weekend,” said Tara.
“Both matches were played with lots of mana and players represented their rohe and whānau superbly. NZC are motivated to continue to offer opportunities for these players to show their talent on the national stage.”
*ENDS*
