Riccarton Youth Cricket began in winter 2025 as a concept aimed at transitioning the Riccarton High School cricket programme into a club-based model, in collaboration with Riccarton Cricket Club. The objective was to increase participation, support player development, and enhance the enjoyment of cricket within the Riccarton community. A key focus of the programme has been to provide youth players with access to quality facilities at Riccarton High School, while also establishing a clear pathway into senior club cricket beyond high school.

The programme has seen steady growth across Term 4, 2025 and Term 1, 2026. Player numbers increased from approximately 18 at the start of the season to around 25 by the end. Attendance and engagement remained consistent throughout both terms, indicating strong retention and positive player experience within the programme. Both teams showed clear progression across the season. The First XI, competing in the First XI Plate competition developed into a well-organised and competitive unit. There was a noticeable improvement in both consistency and team cohesion, which was reflected in performances as the team progressed from regularly struggling to reach 100 runs to consistently posting totals of 150+. The Second XI, competing in the Year 9 competition demonstrated strong development throughout the season, particularly in core skill areas and overall game understanding.

The programme has been strongly supported by Riccarton Cricket Club. Coaching delivery has been led by Hamish Lindsay and Zane Yates. Both coaches have played an important role in developing players and maintaining a positive training and match environment. Acknowledgement should also be given to Tim Murdoch and Bec Dodge (RHS Sport Coordinator), who both played key roles in the establishment of Riccarton Youth Cricket and continue to provide ongoing support as the programme develops. Parent involvement has been a major contributor to the programme’s success. Ongoing support with transport, scoring, and general match-day assistance has enabled the programme to operate effectively across the season.

The 2025/26 season has established a strong foundation for Riccarton Youth Cricket. Growth in participation, clear player development, and a positive team environment highlight the success of the programme in its first full season. Moving forward, the focus will be on continuing to grow participation as we look to increase the number of teams in the coming seasons, while also aiming to become more competitive and push our teams to a higher level

Contact tim@riccartoncricket.co.nz for more