Two ‘country kids’, the children of former Black Cap Shayne O’Connor, won awards at the Otago Cricket Awards on March 30.

The pathways awards went to Hannah O’Connor (16) who took home the title ‘women’s bowler of the year’ for under 19 women. 

Thomas O’Connor (18) was named ‘outstanding performer of the year’ for under 19 men. 

Dad Shayne said it was nice for the siblings to get the acknowledgement.

“I’m proud of them, but not necessarily for what they achieve, but for the people they are.”

Shayne and wife Camille did not get to attend the ceremony as they were in the North Island at the time.

“We knew we were away and the two of them had things on the next day… It all came and went under the radar relatively quickly.”

Thomas is at Te Pūkenga (polytechnic) in Dunedin this year, and for the first time is not playing rugby this winter, choosing to focus on hockey and winter training for cricket.

Hannah is at St Hilda’s Collegiate in Dunedin and playing netball over the winter season.

Shayne said although he is a former top level player, it was definitely his children’s own passion that got them both into cricket.

“It was Hannah at about eight or ten who said to me, ‘Dad, can I play cricket this year?’”

Shayne played in 19 test matches and 38 one day internationals for New Zealand. He retired from all cricket after the 2003 Cricket World Cup.

Otago Cricket hosted players, board members, sponsors, match officials, members of the cricketing community and staff to celebrate the success of teams and individuals throughout Otago and Southland at the awards. 

The evening showcased the talent Otago and Southland have to offer through the age group programmes, plus celebrating those who have done an outstanding job in the community this season.

Molyneux Cricket Club (MCC) was also recently named a premier award winner for the 2022 -23 season.

Sam Bastin was batsman of the year with 632 runs. Bowler of the year was Hayden Armstrong-Jones with 15 wickets (a wicket every 14.23 runs on average). 

Charanjit Singh was the most valuable player (389 runs and 13 wickets across the season). Christopher Collett and Mark Tait were named club men of the year. 

The David Warner Award went to Tyler Spence and Sasha Hill.

For more information about MCC contact: [email protected]