Micky Peacock Medal: Honoring a Young Hawke’s Bay Cricketer

A new award has been introduced in honor of Micky Peacock, a talented young cricketer from Hawke’s Bay who tragically lost his battle with brain cancer at the age of 17 in 2024. The Micky Peacock Medal will be presented for the first time by Central Districts Cricket at the CD Cricket First XI Boys’ Cup Finals in Levin.

Micky was a well-respected member of the cricket community and had previously been awarded the tournament MVP trophy at NZ Cricket’s National Primary School Cup Finals in 2019 while playing for Havelock North’s Hereworth School. He later went on to captain the cricket First XI at Whanganui Collegiate School, showcasing his skills not just in cricket but also in rugby and hockey.

Aidan O’Connor, CD Cricket manager, community, and capability, described Micky as an extraordinary individual. With the blessing of Micky’s family, the medal has been named in his honor to recognize his exceptional qualities both on and off the field. Micky’s father, Marcus, will have the honor of presenting the inaugural medal, a gesture that has deeply touched Micky’s family.

Micky’s mother, Georgie, expressed her gratitude for the recognition, highlighting Micky’s leadership qualities and his love for the game. Micky was known for his quiet strength, his encouragement of others, and his embodiment of the spirit of the game. His passion for cricket was evident from a young age, and his family is proud to see him honored in this way.

In addition to his achievements in cricket, Micky was also a devoted Warriors fan, and the NRL club paid tribute to him by naming one of their training grounds after him in 2024. The upcoming CD Cricket First XI Boys’ Cup Finals promises to be an exciting event, with schools like Whanganui Collegiate, Palmerston North Boys’ High School, Nelson College, and Lindisfarne College vying for a spot in the national First XI Boys’ Cup Finals in Lincoln.

Following the boys’ tournament, the QBE First XI Cup for the region’s top secondary schoolgirl cricketers will kick off, providing another platform for young talents to shine. The legacy of Micky Peacock will undoubtedly continue to inspire and uplift the cricket community in Hawke’s Bay and beyond.