A Tauranga girls cricket team are 'absolutely pumped” to represent the region at a national cricket tournament kicking off this week.

The Tauranga Intermediate Girls Shield Team are preparing to take on teams from across the country at the ANZ Junior 2020 Finals in Manawatu.

The team's coach Reuben Potaka, who is also Head of Sport at Tauranga Intermediate says they won the ANZ Junior Cup and Shield Northern Districts Zone final against Cambridge Middle School last weekend.

The Northern District covers Bay of Plenty, Poverty Bay, Waikato Valley, Hamilton, Counties Manakau and Northland.

'It was quite a surprise – the girls have been making great progress, but it was such a tight match.

"I try not to get too emotionally involved at matches, but when it gets to a finish like that you just feel it for them and you want them to do well."

This is the first time in six years a Tauranga Intermediate Girls Shield Team have made it to nationals, he says.

In the lead up to the tournament, they have been training three times a week, with additional one-on-one sessions when needed.

'They have got heaps better, and will only continue to improve the more they play,” he says.

'We have our bowling pretty good, and the girls are awesome at running between the wickets.”

At the finals they will need to focus on their batting techniques and fielding, he says.

'The practice is getting a bit intense now, but I know the girls are absolutely pumped to be representing our school on a national level.”

'However they go on Wednesday, I am just stoked to be there,” Reuben says.