Kampong is delighted to announce the signing of Auckland Aces batter Cole Briggs for their 2022 Topklasse campaign.

Debut domination

Briggs announced himself on New Zealand’s domestic circuit in dramatic fashion in February 2021.

The Pretoria-born youngster enjoyed a sensational few days against the Central Stags hitting 101 on his Auckland Aces debut, followed by 99 two days later in the Ford Trophy (List A) competition.

Opening with fellow CricX client, Sean Solia, he broke the record for the Aces highest opening stand (226), then backed up with another century partnership in his second match. His combined 200 runs were scored off 208 balls with 18 fours and 5 fixtures. It’s fair to say, Briggs had announced himself on the domestic stage.

The batter, who doubles as a gifted keeper, would go on to make his Auckland Plunket Shield (first-class), and Super Smash (T20) debuts during the 2021 calendar year.

From prodigy to pro…

Briggs, who was a member of Auckland’s championship-winning Under-17, and 19 tournament sides, has long been regarded as a player for the future.

He was a schoolboy prodigy, skippering his Rangitoto College, with whom he earned the MVP award in 2015. He represented Auckland through the age groups and was named in the New Zealand Under-17 tournament side.

Club star to Aces selection

Briggs transitioned to Premier club cricket, and he continued to shine playing for East Coast Bays. He was named Club Captain for the 2020/21 season and won the Club’s MVP, and Auckland Cricket’s Don Coleman Cup for the most memorable innings that summer. His success culminated with Aces inclusion and, as they say, the rest is history. Briggs looks set for a bright future in New Zealand domestic cricket.

Now set for Dutch stint

Now an Aces contracted player, who has a BSC (in Biology and Environmental Science) from the University of Auckland, is now set to continue his development with a stint overseas in 2022, following a season in Lancashire as a teenager. He is due to play for Kampong following their promotion to the Topklasse this summer.

Briggs is also a qualified NZC level 1 coach and is looking for a big summer in Holland before returning to push for regular Aces inclusion.