The Tauranga Intermediate Girls 1st XI will be representing the region when they go down to Christchurch next week for the national championship.

It's the second time the girls' cricket team has been in the finals, and coach Jake Ryan couldn't be more proud.

They beat an opposing team from Hamilton to qualify. Jake says it's a fantastic achievement, particularly as girls' cricket is fairly new for the school.

'There was no girls' cricket before I turned up three years ago.

'Now there are two teams, and they're both doing very well.”

It's a combination of hard work and attitude that's seen the girls qualify two years in a row, and Jake says they're all eager to do better than last year's third placing.

Five of the girls Jake coached last year are also going with the Tauranga Girls' College team down to play in the nationals in the secondary division, so he clearly knows how to train good cricketers. It's something he really wants to push at the intermediate, and has been in touch with primary schools to help ensure girls don't drop out of the sport when they transition to Year 7.

As for this year's team, he's impressed with the commitment shown by players and their parents.

'They're always at trainings, they're always eager. They want to do the best they can.

'We've got nine parents coming down with us to Christchurch, so their support's been amazing too.”