Jacinta Savage, a star allrounder of the Canterbury Magicians, bid farewell to cricket this week, marking the end of a unique and illustrious career. From her beginnings as the team’s wicketkeeper to culminating as one of the finest bowling performers in the record books, Savage’s journey is a testimony to her versatility and talent.
Making her debut for the Magicians at the age of 16, Savage quickly established herself as a key player in both List A one-day and T20 domestic competitions. Over the span of 13 seasons, she donned the Red & Black jersey with pride, appearing in 97 List A appearances and 75 domestic T20 caps until her final match in February 2024.
Savage’s career was marked by remarkable achievements, including representing the New Zealand Women’s Development XI and delivering standout performances against formidable opponents like the West Indies and Pakistan. She transitioned from a bowling all-rounder to taking up the responsibilities of a wicketkeeper in the 2014/15 season, before ultimately returning to her roots as an established bowling all-rounder.
Throughout her tenure, Savage exhibited prowess with both bat and ball, amassing 40 List A wickets and 39 wickets in the Super Smash competition. Her standout moment came in 2020/21 when she claimed a remarkable 6/18 in a Hallyburton Johnstone Shield match, etching her name in the Canterbury Magicians’ history with the second-best bowling figures in the team’s one-day records. Adding to her statistical data, Savage has notched up seven one-day fifties with a highest score of 61.
Throughout Savage’s distinguished career, the Canterbury Magicians experienced significant triumphs, clinching the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield in 2012-13, 2016-17, and 2020-21, along with Super Smash T20 titles in 2011-12, 2015-16, 2020-21, and 2022-23.
Savage reflected on her 13-year journey with heartfelt gratitude, acknowledging the immense privilege of representing her remarkable team. She expressed deep appreciation for her family, recognizing their unwavering support and love throughout her career. Additionally, she extended thanks to her teammates, coaches, and all support staff, emphasizing their pivotal role in his journey. Savage cherished the memories created together, affirming they would forever hold a special place in her heart.
She said, “It has been an incredible privilege to represent this amazing team for the last 13 years. The memories that we have made together will forever hold a special place in my heart.”
Rhys Morgan, Canterbury Magicians coach, spoke highly of Jacinta’s remarkable contribution to the Magicians over the years, acknowledging her significant impact on the team. He praised her versatility, noting her transition from a wicketkeeper to an all-rounder who also opened the bowling. This transformation highlighted not only Jacinta’s adaptability but also her innate talent and dedication to the game.
He mentioned, “Jacinta has made a fantastic contribution to the Magicians over a number of years. To start her career as a wicketkeeper and then turn herself into an all-rounder who opened the bowling shows not just her versatility, but also the talent for the game that she possessed.”
