When the Otago Volts take on the Auckland Aces at Eden Park’s Outer Oval tomorrow, there will be more than Ford Trophy points on the line. The match will again be played for the Ross Dykes Memorial Trophy, a symbol of shared respect between two associations forever connected through one man’s lasting impact on New Zealand Cricket. 

The Ross Dykes Memorial Trophy was introduced in 2021, a year after Dykes’ passing in November 2020, to honour one of the game’s great servants. The first Ford Trophy fixture each season between Otago and Auckland determines which side holds the trophy for the summer a tradition that has become a meaningful part of the domestic calendar. 

While Dykes proudly wore the whites of Auckland during his playing days, it was his ten-year tenure as Chief Executive of Otago Cricket (2005–2015) that united the two associations. His leadership was instrumental in the continued development of the University of Otago Oval as New Zealand’s seventh international cricket venue, culminating in Dunedin hosting ICC Cricket World Cup matches in 2015 before capacity crowds. 

Current Otago Volts and Blackcaps fast bowler Jacob Duffy recalls Dykes as a “friendly face and someone who wanted you to feel welcomed and comfortable in and around the OCA”, when he met Dykes as a first contracted Volt. 

“Ross was a lover of cricket, involved in the game in many roles. During my time, he oversaw one of the most successful eras of Volts cricket — winning the HRV Cup and a 15-game streak that included Champions Trophy matches. His overseas signings even gave me the chance to open the bowling with Brett Lee, something I’ll never forget” 

Duffy further described Dykes as “impactful” and a “cricket lover”, something which resonates with anyone who speaks of the man. 

Current Volts fast bowler Matt Bacon said it’s a privilege to play for a trophy carrying such significance. 

“I feel proud to be able to play for a trophy named after such a great human being. The things he did around the Uni Oval to get it to an international standard ground; he was a big part in that.” 

Coach Josh Tasman-Jones has named an unchanged squad from last weekend’s Round 1 defeat to Canterbury and will be looking to capitalise on positive starts and tidy up areas that slipped through the cracks. 

Bacon remains upbeat heading into the clash, describing cricket as a “funny game,” and says the side will be backing their strengths to get across the line against an in-form Auckland outfit. 

The Ross Dykes Memorial Trophy stands as a reminder of what cricket represents beyond competition, connection, contribution, and community. 

The match begins at 10:30am. Follow live scoring at scoring.nzc.nz. 

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Article added: Tuesday 28 October 2025