The Balmacewen Intermediate School girls’ cricket team will dive into the unknown today.
The school will fly the flag for the region at the National Primary School Shield finals being staged in Lincoln for the next three days.
It is an 11-a-side twenty20 tournament and Balmacewen open its campaign against Raroa Normal Intermediate School this morning and will play St Mary’s School in the afternoon.
It has two more games on Friday before rounding out the tournament with a match against Holy Cross Catholic School on Saturday.
There is no final, so the winner will be crowned following the round-robin fixtures.
Coach Lauren Roney is unsure what to expect when her side fronts this morning.
‘‘To be honest, I have no idea, really,’’ she said.
‘‘Our boys’ team went last year but this is the first time our girls’ team have qualified.
‘‘But we have some very capable girls and I think they’ll go OK.
‘‘It is awesome and they are very excited. For at least half the team, this is the first time they have played cricket.
‘‘There are just some naturally talented kids who have just kind of picked it up, really.’’
Captain Isy Parry fits into the natural mould. She opens both the batting and bowling.
The right-hander has a sound technique and the patience to wait for the bad balls, while fellow opener Hannah Wilson is the more aggressive of the pair and goes for her shots. She also opens the bowling.
Abby Harris is another key player. She bats in the top order and is the wicketkeeper. She will also bowl if needed.
Balmacewen Intermediate Girls’ cricket team
Isy Parry (captain), Hannah Wilson, Abby Harris, Charli Osborne, Beth O’Connor, Kate Pyper, Gemma Rowcroft, Sophie Wylie, Keira McNeill, Nirvana Hepi-Breen, Stella Cavanagh, Maggie Hunt.
