Tauranga Girls' College's 1st 11 cricket team won the Northern Districts finals in Hamilton by beating Gisborne Girls in the final by eight wickets.
This means they have earned the right to represent ND at the national finals in Christchurch in December.
Briana Perry during the final against Gisborne.
'The team consists of a mixture of experienced ND age group cricketers in Briana Perry (captain), wicket keeper Holly Topp and Nensi Patel, passionate school players and this year the inclusion of three of the intermediate girls' team that placed third at the national champs in Christchurch last year,” says Anna Larsen-Leach the team's very proud coach/manager.
Because of the weather all games were played on artificial wickets at Hillcrest Park and Steel Park.
The first game played at Hillcrest Park saw them take on last year's winner Whangarei Girls and dominate them by bowling them out for 32 thanks to outstanding bowling by Nensi Patel 3-4, Paris Robertson 2-5 and Christina Gatensby-Hansen 2-6.
A cautious approach meant they achieved the set target in the 11th over. Disappointingly Pukekohe Girls decided to forfeit their match against.
On the second day TGC played Hillcrest Girls in the morning at Steel Park and dominated them from the start, bowling the side out for 68. Again Nensi Patel was best bowler with 3-10. Wicket keeper Holly Topp did some exceptional work, including assisting with 2 run outs.
The total was chased down in the tenth over by some exceptional battling by openers Holly Topp 14* and Briana Perry 35*.
TGC qualified first in Pool A and met Gisborne Girls in the final that afternoon.
'The tone of that game was set in the opening over with Gisborne losing their first wicket to be 0-1 after 1. Gisborne finished their innings with a score of 59/9,” says Anna.
'A cautious approach again bred success with openers Briana and Holly setting the tone until Briana was given out LBW to see us 31/1.
'Nensi Patel and Holly then finished off the innings to remain 16 and 17 not out respectively.”
Best bowling stats from the tournament go to Nensi Patel with a total of 9/18 and Briana Perry with 3/16.
The winning team from Tauranga Girls' College: Back row: Rebecca Richard, Meila Eades, Taylah Stack, Georgia Bartlam, Brooke Taylor, Ella Steenson, Shay Little, Paris RobertsonFront row: Mrs Leach (coach/manager), Nensi Patel, Briana Perry, Holly Topp, Christina Gatensby-Hansen.
Top run scorers and three of only 4 to bat in the tournament were Briana Perry with 59 run, Nensi Patel with 34 runs and Holly Topp with 30 runs.
'This team epitomises all that ‘team' means with exceptional leadership and an amazing spirit that has allowed this team to laugh, enjoy and continually improve,” says Anna.
'All 12 players and a 13th who unfortunately had to be left out for this tournament have played an important role and success could not have been achieved without the contribution by all players.”
'I am so hugely proud of all of my girls and what they have achieved.
'I cannot wait to work with them with the conclusion of winter sports later in the year in assisting them in their preparation for the honour to represent our region.
'They are humble, talented, exceptional girls who really are great ambassadors of the school and of girls' cricket. '
The team: Coach – Anna Larsen-Leach, Briana Perry (captain), Holly Topp (Vice Captain), Taylah Stack, Brooke Taylor, Georgia Bartlam, Rebecca Richard, Meila Eades, Ella Steenson, Nensi Patel, Paris Robertson, Christina Gatensby-Hansen, Shay Little and super sub Jahla Cooper.
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