Ōtūmoetai College are preparing to make history when they debut at the 2024 School Girls First XI Cup (formerly Venus Cup) this week.
Their first match against Christchurch Girls’ HS will mark the school’s first appearance at the tournament, which has been running since 1994.
Ōtūmoetai captain, Mackenzie Grant, shared her excitement about the experience ahead.
“Ōtūmoetai College has never attended nationals before so we all feel very proud,” said Grant.
“Aside from competing hard and trying our best, having fun with each other and continuing to build relationships with one another is a big focus for us.”
Looking to the future, Grant had high hopes for the growth of cricket at the school.
“Our hope for the future at Ōtūmoetai College is to get as many girls involved in cricket as possible,”
“We aspire to qualify for Venus in the future but most importantly, to develop the amazing game at our kura.”
Ōtūmoetai will come up against some experienced campaigners at this year’s First XI Cup, including Christchurch Girls’ HS (10 appearances) and St Hilda’s Collegiate (13 appearances).
St Hilda's Collegiate return to the First XI Cup after a second-place finish last year, with five key players returning for another go at the title.
Takapuna Grammar have emerged as a cricketing powerhouse in the past few years, and will be led by Auckland Hearts young gun, Rishika Jaswal.
The year 13 all-rounder shared last year’s Tournament MVP award with Emma McLeod – taking nine wickets and scoring 120 runs at an average of 40.
McLeod & Jaswal were in fine form at last year's tournament - @PhotosportNZ
Tawa College will represent Wellington for the first time since their string of appearances from 2014 – 2017, led by the Kerr sisters and Georgia Plimmer.
Captain Ava Conroy represented Wellington’s U19 Women and will be a player to watch.
Christchurch Girls’ High School will be aided by a number of Cantebury age-group representatives, and the experience of many players having attended the 2023 tournament.
Palmerston North Girls High School will attend their first nationals since 2016, where they managed a second place finish.
This year they will be led by their captain and Central Districts U19 representative, Summer Lovegrove.
Visit the competition centre to follow all the tournament scorecards, and keep up with tournament statistics.
SQUADS:
Christchurch Girls’ High School: Sacha Arnold (c), Alexis Arnold, Heidi Clouston, Lilah Cowan, Luce Dawson, Elise Dill-Russell, Freya Jemmett, Samantha Knight, Lily Rumball, Annalise Sloan, Pippa Ussher, Saige McNae, Abbi Moore.
Ōtūmoetai College: Mackenzie Grant (c), Maia Basile, Caitlyn Grice, Jasmine Griffiths, Miane Le Roux, Hannah Mason, Charli McDonald, Chelsea Olesen, Morgan Petzer, Miah Smith, Elia Spiers, Summer Taruia.
Palmerston North Girls High School: Summer Lovegrove (c), Myah Dawson, Penny Lovegrove, Aria Kearney, Emma Morrison, Maggie Rate, Addi Caske, Lucy Myers, Esther Steer, Zara Thompson, Caitlyn Orr, Ella James, Chloe Easton, Kate Barber.
St Hilda’s Collegiate: Hannah O'Connor (c), Emilie Barron, Ella Bezett, Amelia Boustead, Sophie Deerness, Ella Gibson, Lyla Hemmingsen, Beth Homer, Marley Hore, Augusta Howden, Megha Senthilkumar, Charlotte Stafford.
Takapuna Grammar School: Rishika Jaswal (vc), Orla Langdon (vc), Audrey Melhuish, Raiha Jeory Reynolds, Pippa Priddy, Isabella Watson, Eva Steckler, Ava Clentworth, Dorothea Waldron, Lucia Sweetman, Annabel Priddy, Summer Lear.
Tawa College: Ava Conroy (c), Greta Abbott, Deone Bouwer, Lily Campbell, Tessa Campbell, Yvanni Gibson, Tiana Lowe, Mia Malherbe, Baylee Meroiti, Bella Roberts, Puti Smith, Maiarangi Waipara.
