There is a distinct CD flavour to the winner’s list at this season’s national NZC Community Cricket Awards, announced today.

Central Districts Cricket is delighted to congratulate Mark Setford, from Cornwall Cricket Club in Hastings, Hawke’s Bay, on his NZC award for Outstanding Contribution and Services to Coaching.

A Cornwall stalwart, Setford has been volunteering as a cricket coach for both club and school teams in the area for more than a dozen years, particulaly for St John's College Hastings.

He places great emphasis on ensuring every player has an equal opportunity to bat and bowl and always prioritises fun and enjoyment for the players — while also focusing on developing their techniques and skills.

As NZC said in its citation, “Mark Setford has been giving his precious time for more than a decade in coaching young cricket players at his club and schools in the area. 

“Mark is renowned for his positive and welcoming attitude and has been able to instill confidence and passion for the game in the young cricket players he has coached.”

Central Districts Cricket is honoured to have been selected as the winner of another of the annual categories this year: the best Women and Girls’ initiative in New Zealand!

CD’s Kotahitanga initiative is a collaboration between CD Cricket and the Wairarapa, Taranaki, Horowhenua-Kāpiti and Manawatū Cricket Associations. 

Whanganui schools also compete in the Kotahitanga competitions.The award underscores our strong regional effort to continue developing the depth and breadth of female cricket participation and the pathway that grows out of it.

Said NZC, “The Kotahitanga Trophy and Shield competitions have created meaningful opportunities for secondary schoolgirls across the Central Districts region to play regular cricket. 

“By bringing [more] schools together and supporting new programmes, the initiative has helped more young women stay involved, develop their skills and grow their love for the game.”

CD Cricket Community Cricket Manager, Aidan O’Connor said CD Cricket was thrilled and privileged to have been recognised in this year’s awards.

“We know there is hot competition from right across the country for this level of recognition so we’re really humbled to have been singled out this year for an initiative that is close to our Districts’ hearts.

“I’m also thrilled for Mark and Cornwall Cricket Club (Hastings) and I’m sure all of Central Districts Cricket community will join with me in congratulating Mark on this highly deserving national honour.”

The NZC Community Cricket Awards, which form part of the annual ANZ NZC Cricket Awards, follow hot on the heels of the inaugural QBE CD Community Cricket Awards announced last week.

LEARN ABOUT OUR QBE CD COMMUNITY CRICKET AWARDS HERE

Article added: Thursday 19 March 2026