Don Neely Trophy

Don Neely devoted a lifetime to New Zealand cricket as player, selector, administrator, historian and author. Beginning as a promising young batsman at Rongotai College, he went on to captain Wellington, memorably scoring 132 not out at the Basin Reserve in 1967 – the ground whose scoreboard now bears his name.

As a national selector, including seven years as convenor, he helped guide the team through landmark series wins over England, West Indies and Australia. Later, as NZC President (2006–09) and a Life Member, he remained a respected leader and ambassador for the game.

A prolific historian, Don co-authored The Summer Game with his wife Paddianne and edited the popular Men in White series and annuals that inspired a generation of cricket lovers. Honoured with an MBE (1995) and MNZM (2011), Don embodied his own words: cricket is best played “for fun and fellowship.”