Northern Territory Cricket is pleased to announce the following players who have been selected to compete at Cricket Australia’s U16 National Championships, which will be hosted in Ballarat, Victoria, on 6-13 January 2025.
NTC Announce U16 Female Team for National Championships
In line with Cricket Australia’s ‘Women and Girl’s Week’ and today’s theme of ‘elite cricket’, the announcement of the U16 side is a momentous occasion for NT Cricket, marking the first time there has been a Territory side represented at this age group.
Alongside NT Cricket’s recent focus on promoting ‘girls-only’ cricket programs and expanding female pathway opportunities – which will continue to further increase with two newly created roles dedicated to ‘Women and Girls Growth Leads’ – credit must be extended to all clubs for their focused efforts on Woolworths Cricket Blast programs and promotion of junior female players, with participants up 64% since 2021/22.
Six Darwin players (representing four District clubs) have been included in the NT side after featuring in the 2024 Junior Female Strike League – this includes Ekam Dhillon, Jordi O’Toole, Joanna Pickett, Naomi McMahon and Eimi Smith (one match) who were also selected to represent Darwin in the Desert Rose Cup at a senior level.
The team also includes two players from Alice Springs, with Maisie Johnson and Skylah Henwood (both Federals) rewarded for their performances across NT Pathway competitions in recent seasons; Johnson (5 wickets) was the second equal leading wicket taker in the 2024 Desert Rose Cup, while Henwood (7 wickets) was a stand-out in this year’s Female Strike League.
Upon review of the current NT playing availability/depth and advice from CA, the decision has been made to supplement the final six squad positions with players from interstate. NT Cricket will continue to work with State/Territory Talent Managers to finalise this squad and has reinforced the growing desire to field an all-NT side in the immediate future.
The link to Alice Springs continues with Bronte Stray selected as Head Coach, following her strong performances as Captain-Coach in the 2024 Desert Rose Cup and ongoing mentorship within the NT Cricket Community. Karl Mayne has been appointed as Assistant Coach, while Ella Piccoli-Auckram will act as team manager following her contributions at Nightcliff Cricket Club.
Northern Territory Under 16 Female Squad:
|
NAME |
CLUB |
|
Ekam Dhillon |
Tracy Village CC |
|
Skylah Henwood |
Federal CC |
|
Maisie Johnson |
Federal CC |
|
Naomi McMahon |
Palmerston CC |
|
Jordi O'Toole |
PINT CC |
|
Joanna Pickett |
Tracy Village CC |
|
Eimi Smith |
PINT CC |
|
Abbey Warton |
Waratah CC |
|
Bronte Stray (Head Coach) |
Wests CC |
|
Karl Mayne (Assistant Coach) |
NT Cricket |
|
Ella Piccoli-Auckram (Team Manager) |
Nightcliff CC |