The Beginning

Thoroughbred Softball was established in the early 1980’s by the Matthews Whanau. Team Captain, Sue Campbell playing with Anne Vaamainuu as a pitcher/catcher sister combo who played at their very best alongside their mum Rebecca Matthews who covered 1st base. The Club were affiliated to Counties Manukau Softball Association, in the heart of Papakura at Prince Edward Park. They were coached by Lena Barrett with the assistance of John Kukutai and George Warren, who sadly have now passed.


Through the years, as Jan Radich along with team mate Lucille Flay, mentioned, it was mandatory to go before the board members to be accepted as a player. Who both have been part of the Thoroughbred Club and the Matthews Whanau along with many others the photo tells it all !!!!


Mana Matthews, lifetime club member of Counties Manukau Softball Association carried on the Club taking many junior teams at Counties to National levels. with the assistance of Club Sponsor, Trevor Huggard, and owner of the Thoroughbred Tavern back in the days, the financial support was greatly appreciated to these young players as they exceeded in the sport we all love – SOFTBALL.


Our Journey

After the loss of our late Mana Matthews, who touched so many people within the Counties Softball Community, Archie Lemon coached our Premiere Men’s with many championships under their belt. Eventually the club had phased out, with members adventuring to other clubs and following their children on their own journeys. With only a Premiere’s Team, we couldn’t field any junior teams so had decided to fold.


The Present

Sueanne Hicks, our Club President, reincarnated Thoroughbred Softball Club in May 2021 with the assistance of Club Founder Rebecca Matthews (Nan), who still resides in Takanini, South Auckland and family members. We saw a change in family members growing significantly, and now we have begun the 2021/2022 Softball season fielding 2 junior teams and 2 senior teams, affiliated to Counties Manukau Softball Association, Prince Edward Park, Papakura.