Cricket fans of all ages lined the embankment at Alexandra’s Molyneux Park for the third Super Smash double header yesterday (December 31).

The Otago Sparks played Central Districts Hinds with the first ball bowled at 12.40pm. White Fern and Sparks player Suzie Bates made her 100th Super Smash appearance and the side was captained by Hayley Jensen, who took the first wicket.

Their opposition, the Hinds last played at Molyneux Park back in 2016, yesterday’s team featured England pro Hollie Armitage and three others who have played in Alexandra before Hannah Rowe, Rosemary Mair and Kerry Tomlinson.

The men’s game of the Otago Volts and the Central Stags began at 4.25pm. The Stags have never played a domestic T20 at Molyneux Park. They fielded two uncapped players both from the Hawkes’ Bay Toby Findlay and Sam Cassidy.

A highlight for many locals was seeing T20 World Cup winning White Ferns bowler Eden Carson returning to her home turf. The self described "Maniototo farm girl" told The Central App she loved playing in Alexandra and catching up with friends and family when she could.

Right arm off spinner Eden Carson (23) grew up in the Maniototo. PHOTO: Otago Cricket Facebook

Emily (18) and Paddy Hickey (15) from Milton enjoyed the atmosphere and said they travel to as many Otago games as they can.

The brother and sister both play competitive cricket and dressed in Otago colours for the game.

Tapanui’s Cooper (12) and Addie McHutchon (14) were in the crowd with their parents cheering on their favourite player Suzie Bates.

Cooper and Addie, both aspiring cricketers play for their respective schools as well as for Southland Country and love watching live matches.

The spots under the trees were popular for spectators seeking shade.

Youngsters used the grassy slope for cartwheels, including Hamilton's Cleo Mackrell (7). VIDEO: The Central App

The three Super Smash games were held over five days in between Christmas and New Year; December 27, 29 and on New Year’s Eve.

On December 27 Otago played Southern rivals Canterbury. The Sparks lost by 12 runs, and the Volts won by 10 runs.

Auckland was next up and results were a win for the women and rain impacting the men’s game, with no result being reached.

The next two games for the Otago teams are aganist the Canterbury Kings and Magicians on January 7, on Hagley Oval, Christchurch and then Central Stags and Hinds on January 12, on Fitzherbert Park, Palmerston North.

PHOTOS: The Central App

Read more: Maniototo cricketer confident after white ferns success.

Read more: Team work, fun at girls cricket festival.

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