For the first time, Central Districts Cricket has lifted both the NZC men's and women's Under 19 National titles in the same season.

Not only that, but it's a first-time championship win for our men's Central Districts Under 19s, to go with two titles in three years for our CD U19 women who lifted the Gillette Venus NZC U19 National trophy last week.

Captained by Manawatu wicketkeeper-batsman Curtis Heaphy and coached by Horowhenua-Kapiti's Chad Law, assisted by Taranaki's Kurt Leuthart, it was a special week for the Districts against all the big city age-group teams.

Captain CURTIS HEAPHY received the trophy from NZC's Paul Wiseman | PHOTOSPORT

CD U19 secured the Gillette NZC U19 National trophy after winning all five of the one-day rounds - including a thrilling last-ball chase against Canterbury Under 19 (at Christ's College's grounds at South Hagley Park) who, until then, had also been unbeaten and a top contender themselves.

Canterbury had the consolation of winning the one-off T20 rematch on the final day but by then CD already had both hands on the trophy.

It is no mean feat to bring our Under 19 cricketers together from across two islands and eight District Associations, and our DAs also play a key role in developing our next generation of top players.

CDCA would like to take this opportunity not only to congratulate the players and coaching staff today, but all our DA staff, coaches, CDCA staff and everyone who plays a part in bringing our successful age group programmes to fruition.

CDU19's 2021/22 Gillette NZC Under 19 National Tournament

ONE-DAYERS

• Beat Northern Districts U19 by three wickets on Lincoln No.3

• Beat Wellington U19 by five runs on Bert Sutcliffe Oval

• Beat Otago U19 by two wickets on Bert Sutcliffe Oval

• Beat Canterbury U19 by two wickets with a boundary off the last ball at Christ's College

• Beat Auckland U19 by eight wickets on Lincoln No.3

T20

• Lost to Canterbury U19 by 25 runs at Christ's College

Article added: Friday 21 January 2022