Third time lucky for KFCC?

It’s déjà vu for Kaipara Flats Cricket Club (KFCC) as they once again go for the triple crown by winning the one-day and two-day Northland titles, as well as the T20 competition. 

This is the club’s third attempt in as many seasons, having gone agonisingly close to achieving the treble the last two years.

The premiers won the one-day and two-day titles in 2023 and 2024, but fell just short in the 2023 T20 final, losing on the last ball of the over, and last year missed out on the T20 final because of their run rate and having two games washed out.

“We said three-from-three last year, so I’ve got to say it again,” assistant club captain Liam Jones jokes.

“But honestly, this season is about more than just winning – it’s about building the club and investing in the next generation.”

The 2025/26 season is already in full swing across the Northland premier and reserve grade competitions.

Part of Rodney Cricket, which also includes the Wellsford, Tomarata and Pakiri clubs, KFCC isn’t just competing – it’s growing year on year.

Now for the first time in the club’s history, Kaipara Flats has entered a team in the Northland reserve grade Saturday competition.

And for the first time in seven years, the club is fielding two senior men’s teams, which is a “major milestone”.

“Getting two senior teams on the park is a huge win in club cricket, especially with how busy people’s lives are these days,” Jones says.

The Northland T20 competition began on October 4, with the 40-over competition set to start on November 8. 

Wellsford, Pakiri and Tomarata teams will join Kaipara Flats in the 40-over comp to bolster the Rodney contingent of teams. 

KFCC is once again under the guidance and mentorship of veteran coach Jason Onslow, who is also the Northland Men’s head coach. 

His dual role makes him invaluable for Rodney players looking to take their game to the next level, Jones says.

“We’re really lucky to have Jason continue with us. He brings so much to the club and to the junior players coming through.”

That development pathway is already paying off. Last season, five Kaipara senior players and seven Rodney juniors represented Northland age group teams. 

Among the rising stars is Jackson Adams, a Mahurangi College student, who recently scored 53 not out in the reserve grade T20 competition against top-of-the-table Bream Bay.

“Jackson’s in the Northland U16s, and he’s already proving himself at senior level,” Jones says. “We’ve got a strong crop of youth coming through.”

Other young all-rounders to watch this season include Thomas Ward, Santiago Barton, Samuel Rouse, and Cooper Lonergan, who are all playing senior cricket and gaining valuable experience alongside past Northland reps.

Importantly, KFCC is committed to supporting grassroots cricket. 

The club, alongside Matakana CC, runs Friday night junior cricket at Matakana School and Kaipara Flats School for primary school-aged players, with the junior season kicking off on November 7 at Bourne Dean Reserve, from 4.30pm.

“All Rodney players can access coaching with Jason, attend open trainings, and be part of the club,” Jones says. 

“We want cricket to be available to everyone, regardless of age or skill level.”

Interested players of any age or skill level can register at kaiparaflatcc@gmail.com