CATCHING UP WITH AIMEE WATKINS

Every month we will catch up with a CD Alumni member and get to know them a bit better. 

This month we are privileged to chat to Aimee Watkins, Aimee is a former Central Hinds player, originally from New Plymouth, who debuted for Central Hinds in 1998 and the White Ferns in 1999. Watkins is also a Life member of the CD Cricket Association. 

When did you debut for Central Districts and what stands out for you from that first game/season? 

1998/99 season is when I made my debut. I mainly remember playing with other youngsters who had come through the system at the same time as me - Sara McGlashan, Aroha Northover and going into quite an experienced Central Hinds side. 

What are you up to now? Are you still involved in Cricket today?

At the moment my number one job is being mum to two girls, followed by full time teaching at Francis Douglas Memorial College in New Plymouth. We also live on a lifestyle block just out of New Plymouth, so keeping up with jobs there takes up most of my spare time. Without a doubt being with family is my favourite down time activity.

I have been partially involved in cricket over the past 10 years - coaching and commentating mainly, but have really tried to focus on detoxing from the game for the most part! Who knows in the years to come there may be a time when I come back into the game in a greater role.

Do you have any significant games/memories from your time at Central Districts that stick out for you?  

Central Districts is an incredibly hard Association to play for. Basically, every game is an away game and there are few opportunities to get together and train as a squad as the teams from the main centres were able to do. Support for women's cricket was also not what it is today, there have been huge strides in this area which is pleasing to see. These things always made it so much more special when we did win competitions and have success as a team and individuals.

Without a doubt winning the competition for the first time in the 2005/06 season was a huge breakthrough as we had been bottom of the table really for a number of years, beating Canterbury in Canterbury for that final was a great moment and we celebrated long and hard over that one. 

And then again doing the double with both the 50 over and 20 over comps in 2009/10 was another standout memory. We were dominant throughout the season in both formats and were able to go all the way. A favourite memory from this is being up at 5am the next morning (still celebrating) and reading the news in The Press (Canterbury newspaper) about the game and the upset win by the Central Hinds. 

Favourite sporting hero?

Roger Federer

Favourite cricket ground?

Pukekura Park, closely followed by Lords - easy question 

Article added: Tuesday 24 May 2022