North City Cricket Club is marking its 30th anniversary this summer with a packed 2025/26 season and a strong sense of momentum both on and off the field.
The club, which formed in 1995 from the amalgamation of Tawa and Mana Cricket Clubs, is celebrating three decades of community cricket with plans for an Old Timers Day at Linden Park, inviting past players back to relive memories and connect with current members.
This season, North City is fielding a wide range of teams across all levels. The club will have two senior men’s teams and two senior women’s teams, along with three vintage sides and six T20 teams representing the diversity and depth of its player base. In junior cricket, the club continues to grow with 17 junior teams alongside several girls’ softball and hardball squads spanning multiple age groups.
Club spokesperson Russell Hughes said the club was excited to welcome a number of new players, including Matt Rowe, who brings Hawke Cup experience from Canterbury Country, and Flynn Day, a former Nelson College and Nelson Development captain. The senior ranks will also benefit from the addition of Jayden Mataira, Joel Gracie, and Adi Tiwari once their school seasons conclude.
Off the pitch, North City is looking forward to its second major event of the season: Drag Bingo on Saturday, 29 November, hosted by Homer Neurotic. With eight games and prizes up for grabs, the event also supports the club’s ongoing fundraising efforts to repair its roof.
The club is also calling on local businesses to get involved through its range of sponsorship packages. Junior team naming rights are proving popular at $300 per team, while signage at Linden Park, visible year-round to both cricket and football crowds, offers high-traffic exposure starting at $1500 for 12 months.
The top-tier Platinum Package includes signage on the clubhouse, large-format logos on the playing field back wall, and promotion across social media, newsletters and events. Other packages range from Gold and Silver tiers down to Bronze individual player sponsorships, ensuring options for businesses of all sizes.
“With a clubhouse located between a main road and train line, plus a growing online following, we offer sponsors a unique opportunity to connect with our community,” Hughes said.
Tickets for Drag Bingo and sponsorship opportunities are available via PlayHQ, click here:
Drag Bingo + Sponsorship Shop
