Cricket: Four time's a charm for Bartercard Taranaki women

Ryan Evans

After three consecutive second-placed finishes in the CD Association Mike Shrimpton Trophy, could this be the season the  Bartercard New Zealand Taranaki women go one better?

Head coach Debu Banik has certainly got a side capable of taking home the trophy.

His 16-strong squad named today features the return of the vastly experienced Kate Baxter, the inclusion of prolific former Hind Emily Cunningham, newly-named Hind Grace Foreman, and a host of talented young players who have been gaining invaluable experience over the past few seasons.

These youngsters include quick bowlers and CD representatives Zoe Ellerton-Kelly, Anika Scott, and Charlotte Butler, spin bowlers Cara Hollard and Caitlin Marshall and keeper/batter Sophie Campbell.

Surrounding them are highly experienced and quality campaigners such as CDA keeper/batter Jessie Hollard, last season’s captain Lucy Mitchell, batter Aimee Wisnewski and allrounder Jordan Bolger.

Five faces are missing from last season’s campaign.

Christabel Chatonzwa, the Zimbabwean international will be missed, as will CDA batter Sarah Parker and the experienced Amy Foreman.

Foreman, a rising young coach, will take over as team manager/assistant.

The other faces gone are Sophia Bolton and Azaria Lander.

The squad features two debutants, Zoe Miller and CD U17 representative Niamh Moriarty as well as the return of fast bowler Sophie Gurnsey after a seven-year absence.

Banik said he was looking forward to getting the season underway.

“I’m very happy with the quality of the players we’ve been able to put together,” he said.

“Players have been working hard in the off-season and pre-season and we’re excited to put what we’ve been working on into action on the field.”

The Mike Shrimpton Trophy is contested between CD member associations. This season will feature a T20 tournament weekend, hosted in Whanganui in March, with some games featuring Nelson doubling as competition matches.

As they did last year, Taranaki will open the season against Manawatu at Pukekura Park. Last season’s standout win set the tone for the season and they will be looking for more of the same this year.

Another feature is the visit of Hawkes Bay, who will play a double-header weekend in the region in mid-February. 

Bartercard Taranaki Shrimpton Trophy squad:

Kate Baxter, Jordan Bolger, Charlotte Butler, Sophie Campbell, Emily Cunningham, Zoe Ellerton-Kelly, Grace Foreman, Sophie Gurnsey, Cara Hollard, Jessie Hollard, Caitlin Marshall, Zoe Miller*, Lucy Mitchell, Niamh Moriarty*, Anika Scott, Aimee Wisnewski. Head coach: Debu Banik. Manager/Assistant: Amy Foreman.

*Uncapped

2024/25 Shrimpton Trophy schedule:

November 10 vs Manawatu at Pukekura Park, New Plymouth

November 23 vs Wairarapa at Masterton

November 24 vs Nelson at Palmerston North

December 8 vs Wairarapa at Pukekura Park, New Plymouth

January 26 vs Manawatu at Palmerston North

February 15 vs Hawkes Bay at Pukekura Park, New Plymouth

February 16 vs Hawkes Bay at Taranaki, venue TBC

March 2 vs Nelson at Whanganui