Earlier this week Otago Volts veteran, Neil Broom, announced that the 2021/22 season will be his final season in the game.

Broom made his First-Class debut for Canterbury in 2003, scoring a pair of 40’s on debut against Wellington. He continued to play for Canterbury until 2005, where he was approached by Otago management to make the move South.

Broom remembers his early years in Canterbury fondly, and credits Mike Hesson, Craig Cumming & Gareth Hopkins for turning him into an Otago Volt.

“I was just a young fella playing alongside some of my idols which was pretty special - I have very fond memories of my time in Canterbury,” said Broom.

“I was approached by Otago in 2005 and after speaking with Hess (Mike Hesson), Sid (Craig Cumming) and Hoppy (Gareth Hopkins), I felt it was best for my future to make the move to the blue and gold of Otago.” Broom continued.

Broom quickly made his mark as one of Otago’s premier batters, notching up three centuries and fourteen half-centuries in his first three seasons in Otago.

Since that time, Broom has represented the Volts over 340 times across all formats. The Volts legend is currently the team's all-time leading run scorer in List A and T20 cricket and second only to Craig Cumming in first-class cricket.

Broom also represented the BLACKCAPS in all three formats and played over 50 Internationals matches after also being a New Zealand U19 representative.

In his own words, Broom’s time with Otago was epitomised by Otago Rugby teams of the 1990’s, led by the likes of Marc Ellis, Jeff Wilson, John Timu, John Leslie & Tony Brown.

“I always think about the great Otago Rugby team of the late 90's. They were out there giving it a red-hot crack playing a pure brand of Rugby and they looked like they had a bloody good time doing it,” said Broom.

“We aren’t the biggest region in terms of player pool, so we have to fight above our weight, and I always loved that about Otago” Broom continued.

Broom, now a father of five, credits his parents, his partner Mel, as well as teammates & coaches for his success.

“My parents obviously played a massive role and that has been reinforced now I’m a father of 5 and can understand what they did for me when I was growing up,”

“I want to make special mention to my wife, Mel. She has been my biggest supporter during my career, and I owe her so much for everything she has done for not only me but our five beautiful kids,” Broom explained.

“During my professional career I was lucky to have guys like Gary Stead as my captain in my early years, I went through the academy with Peter Fulton and he helped guide me on the right path, then Craig Cumming was a guy I learnt a lot off in terms of batsmanship.” Broom continued.

“There are a lot of guys to be fair - Gareth Hopkins, Warren McSkimming, Aaron Redmond, Nathan McCullum, Mike Hesson. The list goes on, but these guys helped influence me as an Otago player and a man.”

Otago Cricket Performance Manager, Simon Forde, alluded to the quality of Broom’s character earlier this week.

“Neil has been one of the great characters of domestic cricket for more than 15 years the majority of which has been in Otago,” said Forde.

“It’s been a pleasure to watch him play the game to such a high level and in such a positive manner. Every player that has played alongside broomy will have a story or two about him as a character on and off the field. He will be missed in the environment by all involved.” Forde concluded.

Otago Cricket CEO Mike Coggan also spoke glowingly of Broom.

“Broomy is a wonderful human being who was blessed with and maximised his sporting talent to play for his country,” said Coggan.

“It’s great that Neil has bowed out on his terms as Otago’s greatest ever run scorer. Being a family man, we now look forward to the day that any of Neil and Mel’s five kids come through the Otago system. Thanks for the memories Broomy. The Volts will dearly miss you.”

Neil will finish out the remaining Ford Trophy fixtures of the season and will look to add to what has been a remarkable career. Check out a list of Neil’s records for Otago below!

Neil Broom – Otago Records:

First Class: 

• 2^nd most runs for Otago – 6085 
• 15 centuries 3^rd most for Otago 
• 38 fifties – 5^th most for Otago 
• Highest score in no.5 batting position – 203* against ND at Queenstown (2010/11)             
• 2^nd most catches for Otago – 69 
• 2^nd most appearances - 101 

List A: 

• Most runs for Otago - 4157 
• Most centuries for Otago - 8 
• Most fifties for Otago – 34 
• 2^nd highest list A score for Otago – 164 v Canterbury in Timaru (2009/10)
• Most hundreds in a season – 3 x hundreds (2015/16)
• Most runs in a season for Otago – 508 runs (2015/16)
• Most appearances - 120 

T20: 

• Most runs for Otago – 2926 
• Most fifties for Otago – 18 
• 4^th most runs in a season for Otago – 385 
• Highest T20 score for Otago – 117 v Perth at Jaipur (2013/14 Champions Trophy) 
• 1 of only 5 players to score a century for Otago (McCullum, Redmond, Broom, Rutherford, Gaffaney) 
• Most catches for Otago – 52 
• Most catches in a season – 10 (2012/13, 2019/20) 
• Most appearances for Otago - 124 

*ENDS*

Article added: Tuesday 15 February 2022