2024 Desert Rose Cup Dates Announced

DXC Arena, Darwin will play host to the most talented women cricketers from across the Territory as they come together to compete for the annual Desert Rose Cup.

After a 10-year hiatus, Desert Rose returned in 2022 with Alice Springs claiming a comprehensive 3-0 series victory before Darwin wrestled back the cup in 2023 with a hard fought 2-1 series win.

This year’s Desert Rose promises to be a cracker as women’s cricket thrives across the Territory, with the event likely to play an increasingly important role in the pathway for women and girls from the Top End and Central Australia.

Expressions of interest are now open for female players and support staff who would like to represent Darwin or Alice Springs in the 2024 Desert Rose Cup. Expressions of interest close on Monday 5 August.

Expression of Interest – Player

Expression of Interest – Coaching & Support Staff

2023 Alice Springs Coach Bronte Stray (West Cricket Club) said a great spirit had been created amongst the teams in recent years.

“With cricket opportunities for women and girls growing in the Territory, the Desert Rose gives all players the chance to further challenge themselves and improve their cricket.

“It is so much fun and everyone is so supportive of each other and getting something out of the opportunity.”

2023 Darwin Captain Melissa Short (Waratah Cricket Club) said it was exciting to have Desert Rose back up and running for a third year in a row.

“We are all tied up at one series each going into this year's event and with the growth in woman's cricket in the Territory, especially in Darwin this year, I am hoping that our team can change the previous narrative and win back on our home soil!”

The pipeline of talented female cricketers is evident in the Northern Territory, entering an U12s Girls Team in the School Sport Australia Championships for the first time in 2023, with NT Cricket planning to enter an U16 Female Team in the Cricket Australia Underage Championships for the first time in 2025.

The recently completed Junior Girls Strike League showcased the quality of young talent coming through the Territory, with Skylah Henwood (16, Federal Cricket Club) and Elizabeth Johnson (17, Federal Cricket Club) from Alice Springs particularly impressive.

The Quality People Women’s Division of the Darwin and Districts Cricket Competition (DDCC) has also grown to 8 teams this year, with talented female cricketers of all ages competing under lights every Friday night across Darwin.

If you have any questions or would like further information, please reach out to either of the following:

Darwin

Contact: Dylan Slater (0497 292 648)

Alice Springs

Contact: Chrissy Ponter (0434 045 557)

Player Eligibility

Players will need to meet one or more of the below criteria to be eligible for selection:  

(1) Born In or Permanent Resident of Darwin or Alice Springs 

(2) Has been part of NT Cricket Development Squads

(3) Played junior cricket in the Northern Territory 

(4) Has represented NT Cricket at National Championships 

However, due to a number of factors including the small and transient population of the Northern Territory, player(s) may be selected from outside of the above categories should Northern Territory Cricket believe it is, on balance, in the best interests of the team/s and event to do so.  

Player Selection

Players can expect that selection will be based on several considerations including but not limited to:  

(1) Playing Resume and Experience (i.e. highest level of cricket played);  

(2) Previous or Current Performances in Darwin and Districts Cricket Competition, Alice Springs Cricket Competition or NT Representative Teams;  

(3) Squad Skill Requirements, Composition and Balance; 

(4) Youth Development (i.e. opportunity to develop best young talent)