The World Test Cricket Championship trophy is on its way around Aotearoa.
Lin Bachinger meets Will Somerville, Ajaz Patel and Tim Southee. Photo: RNZ / Sam Olley
Hundreds of cricket-mad fans spent the morning with Black Caps Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, Will Somerville and the Mace in Whangārei today - the first stop in the national tour.
The line of supporters went out the door of the Cobham Oval, into the car park and around the corner onto the street.
Some came in prams, some on foot, some even with their dog - for photos, autographs and a look at the glistening silverware.
Vince and Zak Walker from Kerikeri. Photo: RNZ / Sam Olley
The Walker brothers from Kerikeri were the first in line.
The significance of the Black Caps' championship win had not worn off for 10-year-old Vince Walker.
"They used so much teamwork and they felt so happy for each other when they did it ... I was really happy and proud that New Zealand was actually able to make it into the finals and win."
Whangārei is first stop for the Black Caps Mace Tour. Photo: Supplied
Whangārei cricket-enthusiasts Lin Bachinger and Cath Davidson were also some of the first through the door.
Bachinger said she "can never remember" when she started following cricket.
"It runs through my veins. So this is a real highlight. I think 'yahoo, go guys .... Keep it, keep it going!"'
Tony Edwards, known as 'Tank', has been a junior cricket administrator in Northland for 31 years and enjoyed seeing Tim Southee again today.
He still remembers Southee playing as a young one.
"I umpired a few games where he was playing and he bowled my son out, LBW, first ball. And I had to give him out because it was, that's the way we umpire. He would have been 12 years old, Tim, and my son. He had a great smile on his face whenever he appealed and he never, never argued."
Long-serving cricket administrator Tony Edwards, known as 'Tank'. Photo: RNZ / Sam Olley
Southee said it was awesome to see Northland's sporting pride still going strong.
"It's nice to see a few people that were there in the early stages of my career that have helped me get to where we are today, so it's always nice to come back."
He hoped the visit would give the next generation of White Ferns and Black Caps a boost.
"Hopefully we can inspire a few kids, not only here but throughout the country, and especially in the smaller places."