The EV Power Premier Women commence the season with 50 over cricket, with defending champions Lancaster Park, Sydenham, Old Boys Collegians and North-West set to kick things off.  With some player movement and players new to town, the competition is set to be an even one.

The Canterbury Magicians and a number of first class players from other regions should be available for the first few weeks of the season and also towards the back end, which will add some firepower to the competition.

The Lancaster Park squad will have a similar feel to it as recent seasons.  Katie Midwood returns from the UK as player coach after making a strong impact last year while Frankie Mackay has worked hard over the winter returning from serious injury and should play more this season between rep commitments.  Sarah Asmussen has finished her studies in Dunedin and will balance her club and representative duties as well.  Yssa Cullen has joined from St Albans while out of town players Emma Child (Auckland) and Katelyn Walton (Otago) will add depth to the squad.

Sydenham will be looking to build on their success of last season and when at full-strength will be tough to beat.  Otago rep Felicity Leydon-Davis is back, as are other out of town players Kate Craig (Auckland), Ocean Bartlett, Flora Devonshire (both CD) and Essex County player Beth Dodd.   PJ Watkin has signed up for Otago but will hope to play some club cricket between rep commitments while last seasons top run scorer Bethan Ellis won’t return from the UK.  New Canterbury player Emma Irwin will also turn out for Sydenham when available.  Darcy-Rose Prasad is set to miss the latter stages of the season due to heading away for University.

Old Boys Collegians have a new coach, with Kath Clarke taking over from Paul Knight, who had a very successful spell.  Nat Cox has joined and will combine club commitments with the rep season.  Lucy Boucher from Northern Districts has finished her studies and will be moving back to the North Island after final exams, while Molly Loe from Otago and White Fern Eden Carson will turn out when available.  The club also welcome Amelia Peck from the UK.

North-West continue to grow as a team, with Canterbury Magicians Izzy Sharpe, Abigail Hotton, Gabby Sullivan and Jodie Dean set to contribute when not playing rep cricket.  Molly Dunlop and Kate Hastings are returning to the squad after not playing last year and Lucy Murray has recovered from injury and will play when she returns from University.  Last seasons player of the year Robine Rijke wont be returning from the Netherlands and will be a major loss.

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Article added: Wednesday 04 October 2023