Howick Pakuranga Cricket Stars Earn Contracts with Auckland Aces

Two players from the Howick Pakuranga Cricket Club (HPCC), Dale Phillips and Lachie Stackpole, have been selected for the Auckland Aces squad for the 2025-26 season. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the club, as it has not seen players earn domestic contracts since the days of renowned cricketers like Colin Munro and Kyle Mills.

Both Phillips and Stackpole are homegrown talents, having progressed through HPCC’s junior ranks. Their selection represents a successful outcome of the club’s player development pathway. Francis Scordino, HPCC’s general manager, expressed pride in their achievements. “It’s awesome for us. Both Lachie and Dale started at the club as children, so to now see them earning Aces contracts is not just a reward for their hard work, but also for the systems and people that have supported them since they were kids,” he said.

Stackpole, 20, made his debut with the Aces last season but did not secure a contract. Now, he has been rewarded with a full-time domestic deal. “It’s an awesome feeling,” he remarked. “It’s something I’ve been working towards for a long time. Howick Pakuranga [Cricket Club] has played a huge role in getting me here. I’ve been with the club since I was five.”

Having represented New Zealand at the under-19 World Cup, Stackpole cites his experiences in youth cricket and HPCC’s year-round training support, which includes off-season nets, as crucial elements in his development. He credits his parents and coaches, including Colin Munro and Johnny Bassett-Graham, for their guidance.

For Phillips, 27, this opportunity represents a return home. After several seasons with the Otago Volts in Dunedin, he is eager to don the Aces jersey, a team he long aspired to play for. “Coming back to Auckland and HPCC just made sense,” he stated. “I played all my club cricket there growing up. It’s great to be around the club again.”

Phillips is enthusiastic about taking on a leadership role within the Aces. “I want to help the younger guys and add value where I can,” he said. “We’ve got a young group, and I’m keen to be part of something special this season.”

The double signing of Stackpole and Phillips highlights a period of revitalization for HPCC. Following a phase of transition that included relegation and player retirements, the men’s squad has returned to top-tier two-day competition. The club is now guided by new premier coach Louis Delport, who recently retired from the Aces.

Scordino emphasized that the success of these players sends a powerful message to junior cricketers. “There’s a visible pathway now. Young players can see that if they stick with the club, work hard, and commit, they can make it to the top,” he said.

With Phillips returning to his roots and Stackpole stepping into a full-time role, HPCC’s legacy of nurturing top-tier talent continues. The next generation of cricketers at the club is already inspired by this achievement, showcasing the importance of dedication and community support in pursuing a professional sports career.