Commuting ex-skipper departs on a high

Michael Olsen’s 12-year career with North Shore premiers had a dream ending as the side began its last match with the two-day title already in the bag.

Olsen (right) started playing for Shore aged five, gaining selection for the premiers in 2010 as an 18-year-old fresh out of Takapuna Grammar School.

Now 30, he has played a club-record 241 premier games, scoring 6040 runs, and captained the side for four seasons.

His commitment was illustrated this season. After moving to Nelson, Olsen travelled back to Auckland on Thursday mornings to play for Shore, flying home again on Sunday mornings.

“I really wanted to have one final season as a player, just enjoying the game and the end of my playing career with the club.”

Olsen was captain when Shore won the Tom Hellaby championship to end seven seasons in the second division. Just four seasons later, the premiers are Auckland champions with one game to spare.

“It is a fairy-tale ending for me – champions of Auckland for the first time in 35 years... it’s a special moment.”

While Olsen has played his last game for North Shore premiers, he intends to continue playing in Nelson, where he has joined the Wanderers club.