Central Stags

Ah, the Central Stags, what a fascinating team with roots that dig deep into the rich soil of New Zealand's cricketing history. Officially established in 1950, the Central Stags represent the central regions of the North Island, with proud provinces like Taranaki, Wanganui, Hawke's Bay, Manawatu, and Wairarapa pulling together for this cricketing endeavour. It's a team that has carved out quite a niche in New Zealand’s domestic cricket scene, often flying the flag for regional passion and talent.

In terms of their achievements, the Stags have had their fair share of glory, clinching the Plunket Shield multiple times. You could say they've been a force to be reckoned with, particularly when you consider their successes in the domestic one-day competition, Hawke Cup, and the New Zealand ODI Championship. They've been there when it mattered, stepping up in the Super Smash too, New Zealand's answer to T20 cricket, with performances that have, at times, set the tournament alight.

Now, when one talks of key players, you'd be remiss not to mention Ross Taylor and Doug Bracewell, just to name a couple. Taylor, with his swashbuckling batsmanship, and Bracewell, providing pivotal spells, have been instrumental in many a Stags campaign. Their contributions aren't just confined to statistics but rather to moments of impact and leadership that have inspired many a young cricketer in the region.

The Stags have had their share of memorable tussles, particularly against domestic rivals like Canterbury and Northern Districts. These matches often bristle with the raw edge of competitive spirit, bringing out the best – and occasionally the worst – in both teams.

As for playing style, the Stags tend to epitomise what you'd expect from a New Zealand side: gritty, resilient, with an all-round competency that focuses on teamwork over individual flair. They are pretty adaptable too, like the rolling hills of their home, able to change with the conditions and requirements.

Their home ground, McLean Park in Napier, is a crucible of local support. The fans have a tangible passion, turning out to create an atmosphere that's homely but fiercely proud. It's about supporting the community team, knowing they're more like a family than a franchise.

Traditions? Well, the Stags are enriched with local culture, where the game intertwines with the lifestyle of its regions. The team reflects a way of life that cherishes sport as both a competitive outlet and a communal bond, something that's quintessentially New Zealand. Unique and unflashy, much like the Stags themselves.

Play Offs, Final, Super Smash - February 2, 2025

Central Stags

136/4 (17.2)

Canterbury Kings

135/8 (20)

Central Stags won by 6 wickets (with 16 balls remaining)

Player of the Match

Dane Cleaver

Regular Season, 29th Match, Super Smash - January 29, 2025

Central Stags

149/5 (17.3)

Auckland Aces

147/9 (18)

Central Stags won by 5 wickets (with 3 balls remaining)

Player of the Match

Tom Bruce

Regular Season, 26th Match, Super Smash - January 26, 2025

Canterbury Kings

Central Stags

45/6 (11)

No result

Regular Season, 21st Match, Super Smash - January 21, 2025

Northern Brave

Central Stags

Match abandoned without a ball bowled

Regular Season, 17th Match, Super Smash - January 17, 2025

Central Stags

190/4 (20)

Canterbury Kings

175/8 (20)

Central Stags won by 15 runs

Player of the Match

Curtis Heaphy

Regular Season, 15th Match, Super Smash - January 15, 2025

Auckland Aces

139/8 (20)

Central Stags

142/2 (17.2)

Central Stags won by 8 wickets (with 16 balls remaining)

Player of the Match

Jayden Lennox

Regular Season, 12th Match, Super Smash - January 12, 2025

Central Stags

133/6 (20)

Otago Volts

134/2 (9.4)

Otago Volts won by 8 wickets (with 62 balls remaining)

Player of the Match

Jamal Todd

Regular Season, 10th Match, Super Smash - January 9, 2025

Wellington Firebirds

192/4 (20)

Central Stags

196/4 (20)

Central Stags won by 6 wickets (with 0 balls remaining)

Player of the Match

Jack Boyle

Regular Season, 8th Match, Super Smash - January 6, 2025

Central Stags

195/5 (20)

Northern Brave

131/10 (18.1)

Central Stags won by 64 runs

Regular Season, 7th Match, Super Smash - January 4, 2025

Central Stags

179/10 (20)

Wellington Firebirds

190/5 (20)

Wellington Firebirds won by 11 runs

Player of the Match

James Hartshorn

Will Young
Position: Top Order Batter
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Offbreak
Age: 32

Jack Boyle
Position: Batsman
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Offbreak
Age: 29

Dane Cleaver
Position: Wicketkeeper
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Legbreak
Age: 33

Tom Bruce
Position: Top Order Batter
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Offbreak
Age: 33

William Clark
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style:
Age: 23

Curtis Heaphy
Position: Wicketkeeper
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style:
Age: 25

Angus Schaw
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Offbreak
Age: 31

Brett Randell
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 29

Blair Tickner
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 31

Jayden Lennox
Position: Bowling Allrounder
Batting Style: Left Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Slow Left Arm Orthodox
Age: 30

Toby Findlay
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 21

George Worker
Position: Batting Allrounder
Batting Style: Left Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Slow Left Arm Orthodox
Age: 35

Josh Clarkson
Position: Batting Allrounder
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 28

Doug Bracewell
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 34

Ben Wheeler
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Left Arm Fast Medium
Age: 33

Seth Rance
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 37

Kieran Noema-Barnett
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Left Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 37

Felix Murray
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Left Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Slow Left Arm Orthodox
Age: 26

Dean Foxcroft
Position: Allrounder
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Offbreak
Age: 27

Willem Ludick
Position: Allrounder
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 28

Ajaz Patel
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Left Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Slow Left Arm Orthodox
Age: 36

Bayley Wiggins
Position: Wicketkeeper
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style:
Age: 26

Adam Milne
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast
Age: 33

Bevan Small
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 33

Ryan McCone
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Left Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Left Arm Fast Medium
Age: 37

Christian Leopard
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 27

Ryan Watson
Position: Batsman
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 48

Joey Field
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 24

Ben Smith
Position: Batsman
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Offbreak
Age: 34

Ross Taylor
Position: Middle Order Batter
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Offbreak
Age: 41

Greg Hay
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Offbreak
Age: 32

Ma ara Ave
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast
Age: 26

Mason Hughes
Position: Bowler
Batting Style:
Bowling Style:
Age: 25

Raymond Toole
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Left Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Left Arm Fast Medium
Age: 36

Brett Johnson
Position: Bowling Allrounder
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Legbreak Googly
Age: 30

Liam Dudding
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast Medium
Age: 30

Will Clarke
Position: Batsman
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style:
Age: 25

Ma'ara Ave
Position: Wicketkeeper
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style:
Age: 26

McLean Park
City: Napier
Country: New Zealand
Capacity: 10500

Pukekura Park
City: New Plymouth
Country: New Zealand

Yarrow Stadium
City: New Plymouth
Country: New Zealand

Saxton Oval
City: Nelson
Country: New Zealand
Capacity: 6000

Seddon Park
City: Hamilton
Country: New Zealand
Capacity: 10000

University Oval
City: Dunedin
Country: New Zealand
Capacity: 4500

Eden Park Outer Oval
City: Auckland
Country: New Zealand

Fitzherbert Park
City: Palmerston North
Country: New Zealand

Basin Reserve
City: Wellington
Country: New Zealand
Capacity: 11600