Petrie began playing for Waikato in the Hawke Cup in 1945–46.

When the Northern Districts men's cricket team made its first-class debut in 1956-57 he was appointed captain, a position he held until the end of the 1960–61 season.

He scored two first-class centuries, both against Wellington: the first in 1953-54 when he opened the Auckland second innings and made 151,[1] the other in 1959-60 when he made 136 at number five for Northern Districts.

Petrie was selected to tour Pakistan and India with the New Zealanders in 1955–56.

Wisden noted that he was "a neat and reliable wicket-keeper, who ... was immensely popular because of his pleasant personality".