The Central Districts A women’s team is set to take the field this weekend for the first time in 27 years — playing the first two matches in a programme against neighbouring Major Association women’s A teams.

It’s exciting news for CD’s groundswell of emerging female high performance players, with the realignment of the CD men’s and women’s A programmes providing an extra tier of opportunity to for women to play against emerging players from other Major Associations.

Nelson-based coach BJ BARNETT has been appointed as Head Coach of Central Districts A Women, with John Turkington Forestry continuing its strong support of CD women's cricket as our foundation sponsorship partner.

The former Central Stags and Wellington representative will also step up as a Central Hinds selector, alongside Central Hinds Head Coach JAMIE WATKINS whom he has regularly assisted over the past couple of seasons.

Central Districts A will play their first T20 on Saturday afternoon at St Paul's Collegiate, Hamilton against hosts Northern Districts A, followed by a one-day match on Sunday, with the squad to be announced this Friday.

CDCA Manager, High Performance DAVE MEIRING said he was excited to have Barnett on board to lead the female A programme this summer as his Central Hinds experience will ensure a strong continuity along the player pathway.

“We feel BJ has a good understanding of the female game, and will be able to provide excellent tactical leadership to the group as they continue their development and strive to achieve their goals,” said Meiring.

“We know that those aspiring to play for the Hinds will be experiencing a very similar environment at A level under BJ, and that he will work closely with Jamie to ensure the A team is using the same style of play.

“The re-introduction of the A programme is really exciting, and we are looking forward to seeing how BJ brings to life those opportunities for our players.”

The reincarnation means the Central Super League — created two seasons ago to help provide a bridge between the District Association and CD cricket — will be spelled this summer, and may return in future as the female game continues to grow.

Says Barnett, “The CSL was a fantastic start, and certainly served its purpose in getting more female players involved from the Districts, and providing us with opportunities to see that next tier of talent. We saw players like ANNA and KATE GAGING come through to the Hinds as a result which was great.

Anna and Kate Gaging | PHOTOSPORT

“Now with six rounds of cricket for the A team, I think it’s more exciting still. We are going to see that next tier from right across our region continue to improve and step up through opportunities to play more cricket, and the chance to test themselves at a higher level.

“Our goal is to produce more players from right across our CD region, ready to step into the Central Hinds squad, and ultimately the WHITE FERNS.”

Veteran Central Hinds and Hawke’s Bay batter KERRY TOMLINSON has been appointed as Barnett’s Assistant Coach for the A programme — she will also continue to be available to represent the Hinds this summer.

Assistant Coach Kerry Tomlinson | PHOTOSPORT

Barnett had previously coached men’s rep and club cricket in Nelson and also turned his attention to developing the female pathway in Nelson, where the top female players like CLAUDIA GREEN, and the Gaging twins, play for male senior club sides.

The result has been the reignition of the Nelson Nyxons representative side, the rebirth of regular women’s fixtures against Marlborough Women and, last season, Nelson’s entry into CD’s Mike Shrimpton Trophy competition, playing alongside sister Districts from North Island for the first time.

Green and the Gaging twins have also burst into the Hinds, with swing bowler Green selected for two WHITE FERNS tours to England.

Says Barnett, “I’ve found it’s been hugely rewarding to be working in the female game as a coach over the last two years because we’re seeing so much growth in the numbers of girls and women keen to play - and then, fantastic engagement from the promising players who love and relish the opportunities.

“That’s why I think this is a great time to have the Women’s A programme springing back to life. The time is right, and it’s going to be very exciting for the future of the Hinds.”

Central Districts A • Women

2022/23 SCHEDULE

3PM • 5 Nov 2022 v Northern Districts A • St Paul's Collegiate, Hamilton

10AM • 6 Nov 2022 v Northern Districts A • St Paul's Collegiate, Hamilton

12 Feb 2023 v Wellington A in Wellington

13 Feb 2023 v Wellington A in Wellington

25 Feb 2023 v Northern Districts A • Donnelly Park, Levin

26 Feb 2023 v Northern Districts A • Donnelly Park, Levin 

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Article added: Thursday 03 November 2022