The Otago Sparks are gearing up for their first match in defence of the national Hallyburton Johnstone Shield with a new captain at the helm, the 2022/23 women’s NZC Domestic season set to begin at 10.30am tomorrow.
Former Northern Districts star and WHITE FERN Felicity Leydon-Davis will finally get to lead out the Sparks when the defence begins — having missed the entirety of last summer with a flare up of an old back injury, after having transferred to the Otago Sparks earlier in 2021.
All teams are in action in the one-dayers this weekend, with Round One on Saturday and Round Two on Sunday at the same venues. Opportunities abound for players to make an early impression with several WHITE FERNS stars unavailable, including Sparks star Suzie Bates, due to WBBL commitments across the Tasman.
The Sparks begin their campaign on the road, away to Northern Districts in Whangarei, while the Central Hinds host the Auckland Hearts in New Plymouth, and Canterbury hosts Wellington Blaze in Rangiora.
For the first time, all six matches will be livestreamed by NZC on the NZC YouTube channel, NZC website and mobile app.
The Sparks denied Dream11 Super Smash champions the Blaze a coveted women’s Domestic trophy double last summer when they dominated the Hallyburton Johnstone Grand Final in Queenstown, WHITE FERNS spinner Eden Carson claiming a stunning five-wicket bag.
A flyby for Carson's five-for | MBUTCHER
It was the Sparks’ first title win since 2013/14 and reflects a growing depth nationally across the women’s game.
The trophy has been lifted by four different teams over the past four summers, with the Canterbury Magicians, Auckland Hearts and Central Hinds all able to draw on recent memories of title-winning campaigns.
The Blaze will meanwhile be out again to break their lengthy one-day title drought, while Northern Districts is still seeking its first ever title in a competition that was first contested in a 50-over format in 1992/93.
Recent Champions
2021/22 Otago Sparks
2020/21 Canterbury Magicians
2019/20 Auckland Hearts
2018/19 Central Hinds
2017/18 Auckland Hearts
2016/17 Canterbury Magicians
2015/16 Auckland Hearts
2014/15 Auckland Hearts
2013/14 Otago Sparks
2012/13 Canterbury Magicians
2011/12 Auckland Hearts
2010/11 Canterbury Magicians
2009/10 Central Hinds
