Born on October 3rd 1913 in Christchurch, Canterbury, former New Zealand Test captain and pioneer cricketer, Ruth Symons.
Ruth had proven to be a worthy captain of the fledgling Canterbury team in the 1930’s, guiding her team to victories in the Mary Machin Shield and the Amalgamated Theatres Shield victory in 1933/4 – all pointed to her eventual selection as New Zealand’s first Test captain, against Betty Archdale’s England team in 1943/5.
That inaugural Test, and Symons’ only Test, resulted in an innings defeat. England, fresh from their dominance in the three Test series against Australia, brushed the White Ferns aside. Three of the players were hit in the face. Ruth Symons was also injured in the field and would not bat in the second innings. However, the home team displayed great courage and fighting intent in the second innings, qualities we have all come to expect from New Zealand teams over the ensuing years.
Post retirement, Ruth Symons continued to work tirelessly for the betterment of cricket in New Zealand. She passed away on 11th September in 2004.