Melville Park        

Auckland, New Zealand

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The home of Auckland women's cricket for many years, Melville Park was usually the venue for the annual Hallyburton-Johnstone Shield (later Pub Charity Tournament) for the major associations when it was Auckland's turn to host the event. Women's cricket in New Zealand took a great leap forward in the 1998/99 season with the inauguration of the State Insurance Cup (now League), played as 50 over one day matches, and Melville Park became the home ground of the Auckland representative women's team (the Hearts). A new pavilion with modern changing rooms was built later, and named the Rona McKenzie lounge after Auckland's greatest woman cricketer. Miss McKenzie (1922-99) captained New Zealand in her test career in the 1950s, but continued to play for Auckland until the 1970s.

With its close proximity to Mt Eden and One Tree Hill, the two highest of the extinct volcanoes on the Auckland isthmus, and bordered by magnificent pohutukawa trees, the ground is one of the most picturesque in Auckland.

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• New Zealand to host ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup in January 2002 (Aug 21, 2001)

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