Top emerging women’s cricketers are in action this week at the 2008/09 National Development Tournament, under way at New Zealand Cricket’s three grounds at Lincoln University, Christchurch, from today [Monday 8 December].
The tournament involves teams from the six Major Associations. Competition starts with a round of Twenty20 matches on Monday, followed by five rounds of one-day 50-over matches over the rest of the week. At the end of the competition the team with the most points obtained during the six rounds will be declared the winner.
In a repeat of last year’s 50-over final, defending champions Canterbury are playing Auckland in a T20 match on the opening day. Canterbury, coached by former England player Mandie Godliman and including promising State League opening batsman Frances Mackay, will again be a favourite. Former White Fern and current State Auckland Hearts coach Maia Lewis will coach Auckland.
White Fern Nicola Browne steps up from her manager’s role last season to co-coach Northern Districts with State Northern Spirit coach Cliff Dickeson.
Catherine Campbell, NZC’s Team and Tournament Operations Manager said the tournament provides an opportunity for players who are on the way up in the game.
“Players performing well in this tournament can force their way into later rounds of the State League,” she said.
“A number of current White Ferns have performed with distinction in this tournament when they were beginning their representative careers and we’d expect to see a number of future stars emerge during the week.”
