News Article

Kia ora koutou,

The 2025/26 season was another important chapter for St Albans Cricket Club. The club is in a stronger position both on and off the field, and whilst our progress is incremental, it is measured and positive. I believe we are moving in the right direction. Thank you to everyone who helped make the season one to remember.

Our clubrooms have survived another winter and, as we emerge from hibernation, it appears the grand old building may yet see one final summer-fingers crossed. Preparations for life at St Albans Park are under way, although both the club and Christchurch City Council still have considerable work to complete before the move can proceed.

Discussions with Christchurch City Council are continuing. Plans for a multi-use playing surface and cricket practice nets have been considered, with constructive and positive engagement between the parties. The club is now awaiting further planning proposals and confirmation from the Council.

Some storage is already available at St Albans Park. Proposed improvements to the existing buildings should provide the additional capacity the club will require once it has relocated.

We were again fortunate to have access to the excellent cricket facilities at St Andrew's College for preseason and in-season training. Unfortunately, this arrangement is coming to an end, with the 2026/27 season expected to be our last at the College.

We extend our sincere thanks to Mike Johnston and St Andrew's College for their continued generosity and collaboration. Their support has been invaluable and is greatly appreciated by our players, coaches and the wider St Albans cricket community.

The club ended the 2025–26 financial year in a strong position, with $27,515.07 in the bank, up from $4,948.68 last year. Its loan to Murray Griffin fell from $15,000 to $5,000, although $11,300 remains owing to Christchurch Metro for ground fees, potentially covered by a grant. Pavilion hire generated $12,343, while grants contributed $28,500, down from $48,800. Expenses also declined. The pavilion costs $10,137 annually to operate, so ending the lease and losing hire income would create a $2,200 net shortfall. No bar income was earned, and the pavilion's $21,839 value will likely be written off within two financial years.

The 2025/26 season brought continued growth for both the Premiership and Championship Men's teams. Director of Coaching Blair Franklin and Assistant Coach Ben Rapson provided valuable leadership, structure and consistency.

St Albans' Premiership Men competed strongly across all formats, driven by Matthias Paltridge's 817 runs, Lachie Harper's 616 runs and Canterbury Kings selection, and lan Souness's 47 wickets. Jack Dry added 35 wickets, while a balanced attack, experienced leadership and emerging talent demonstrated the squad's considerable depth and promising future. Both sides improved as the season progressed and produced strong performances across the different formats.

Congratulations to Nick Tapper, Harry O'Loughlin and Hanroux Wessels, who each made their Premier debut during the season.

The team's results included:

This was Alex's first season in the scoring role, which he mastered quickly. He was extremely reliable and did a fantastic job. Alex is unfortunately unavailable next season, and the search for his replacement has begun. Thank you, Alex, for your excellent contribution.

The club showed strong on-field health in 2025/26, fielding nine men's teams plus the Division 2 women's Diamonds, with depth spanning premiership, championship, masters and Cavaliers cricket. The club secured four grade wins. Highlights included the Championship Sabres' T20 title and the Cavaliers Fozzies' Section 1 championship, while the Chin Swingers reached the Section 2 final. The Division 2 Buccaneers made their one-day final before availability problems forced a late withdrawal, highlighting an area requiring rebuilding. The Diamonds were outstanding, winning 12 of 16 matches and finishing second overall. The Masters BBBBs won 10 completed games, including seven of their last nine, while the new 67ers made a competitive debut. Lachie Harper earned Canterbury Kings selection and Andrew Brown's all-round season secured Club Player of the Year, reinforcing the club's quality, depth and future potential.

Congratulations to the following members on their representative selections:

The club celebrated three former St Albans players: Natalie Cox retired after 14 years and 183 Canterbury appearances; Lea Tahuhu ended her White Ferns 

career with more than 100 matches in each format; and Amy Satterthwaite became Canterbury Magicians coach. We wish you all the best for your future endeavours.

Their continued support helps the club meet the significant costs of providing cricket to our members and keeping subscriptions as affordable as possible.

Without sponsorship income, the alternative is substantially higher subscriptions. We therefore ask all players, supporters, friends and families to prioritize NZ Venue Co establishments when choosing where to eat, drink, socialize or hold a function.

Participating Christchurch venues include Bealey Quarter, Carlton Bar, Casa Publica, Fat Eddie's, Original Sin, The Bog, The Halswell and The Kong. Members receive a 10% discount on fully priced food and beverages, earn reward points and access exclusive app offers. Importantly, every eligible purchase made through the app is tracked and helps support St Albans Cricket Club.

Sporting Edge has also generously offered all St Albans Cricket Club players an ongoing 15% discount. We strongly encourage members to support this partnership by purchasing their sporting equipment from Sporting Edge at 514 Wairakei Road, Burnside.

We sincerely thank Sporting Edge for its generous support and look forward to a successful partnership.

A very enjoyable after match was held at the Burnside Clubrooms in January following the Premier Men's match against Burnside at their home ground. The event marked the Boock-Sharp Trophy fixture and was a fitting celebration of club camaraderie and tradition.

Special thanks to:

The evening was a genuine success, and we look forward to hosting burnside for the return fixture next season.

The club also held a BYO Christmas function and a delayed but well-attended end-of-season prizegiving at the pavilion. Although the licensed bar remained closed, members celebrated responsibly and in good humour.

Our sincere thanks go to:

Owen Rees has stepped down from the Executive. We sincerely thank Owen for the time, energy and commitment he has given to the club. We are grateful to Murray Griffin for agreeing to take on the role of Secretary.

Sam Price has also advised that he will not continue in his committee role for the coming season. We thank Sam for his contribution and the valuable support he provided during his time on the Committee.

Zane Phillips stood down in October, while two of our newer members, Alex Brown and Thomas McClean, were absent half the year due to playing or travelling overseas.

The Committee met on 13 occasions during the year. Recorded attendance and years of service were as follows:

 

President/Chairman: Conrad Dry 13 (1)

Secretary: Owen Rees 5 (3)

Treasurer: Rob Souness 8 (1)

Club Captain: Will Southby 10 (7)

IT Manager: Duane Pettet 11 (23)

Committee: Murray Griffin 12 (21)

Zane Phillips 3 (1)

Alex Brown 5 (2)

Sam Price 11 (2)

Thomas McClean 5 (2)

On behalf of St Albans Cricket Club, I extend my sincere thanks to the many individuals and organisations whose support made the season possible, both on and off the field.

A special thank you to Mike Harvey, Tim Murdoch and the entire team at the Christchurch Metropolitan Cricket Association. Your ongoing assistance and support for the club is greatly appreciated.

We are extremely grateful to the gaming trusts whose financial contributions helped meet a wide range of operating and development costs. Their support had a direct and meaningful impact across every level of the club.

Funding received during the year included:

The Committee is committed to maintaining and strengthening these important relationships in the seasons ahead.

Our thanks also go to our live-streaming partners, whose support enabled key matches to be covered and promoted throughout the season:

Their backing increased the club's visibility and strengthened the connection between our players, families, alumni and supporters.

Community sport is the lifeblood of many social circles. It fosters camaraderie, passion, resilience, achievement, friendship and lifelong memories. St Albans Cricket Club is one of these great institutions. The challenges facing the club remain significant, but I am grateful for-and heartened by-the strength of character, loyalty and commitment our members continue to show. As with every season, the club faced challenges and rose to meet them. I have no doubt that, as a community, we will continue to come together, overcome the challenges ahead and secure a strong and successful future for St Albans Cricket Club.