Cricket Wellington’s women and girls programmes have enjoyed an outstanding run of success across national and regional tournaments over the past two months, highlighting the strength of the region’s development pathway and the depth of emerging talent.

The success began just before Christmas at the Kookaburra Year 9 and 10 Girls Tournament in the Wairarapa, where Cricket Wellington fielded two Wellington Under 15 teams. Both sides progressed through pool play undefeated before meeting in an all Wellington final, with Wellington Gold ultimately claiming the title in a strong display of local talent.

The new year continued in equally impressive fashion. In early January, the Wellington Under 19 Women secured the National Under 19 Women’s title in Lincoln, losing just one of their seven matches on the way to the championship. Later in the month, Wellington’s Under 17 Women added further silverware by winning the inaugural National Under 17 Women’s Tournament, completing a remarkable period for the region’s young female cricketers.

The success has been praised by programme supporters and staff, who recognise the collective effort behind the achievements.

Alan Moore of CODEC highlighted the wider impact of the programme and the strength of the pathway system.

“Cricket Wellington’s Women’s and Girls Pathway and Performance Programme has been a spectacular success, with so many young and rising local stars being part of this year’s major achievements and setting the foundation for future growth and honours for wāhine at the highest levels,” Moore said.

“CODEC is immensely proud to sponsor that programme and delights in the results it is providing. Our funding and support to help enable resources is just one part of the programme. It is the time, energy and expertise from coaches and selectors, along with the players and the wider supporting cricket community, that takes this to the next level. They all deserve huge accolades and should be celebrated.”

Cricket Wellington Pathways Manager Chris Nevin emphasised that while player development remains the core focus, the recent tournament victories reflect the quality of work being done across the programmes.

“We don’t set out to win age group titles as our focus is on player development, but taking out both the Under 19 and Under 17 Women’s tournaments was a great achievement,” Nevin said. “If players are constantly developing their skills and knowledge, quality performances will follow, so tournament wins are a by product of that.”

“A lot of hard work from our players, coaches and selectors has gone into our programmes over the last few years and it is amazing to see the success that has followed. One of the most encouraging things is seeing players who have come through the pathway space going on to perform strongly for the Blaze. Ultimately the pathway is there to give players opportunities to develop into domestic and international cricketers.”

Cricket Wellington Community Manager Women and Girls, Sarah Neal, said the performances were a reflection of both individual commitment and the strength of the regional club system.

“It has been exciting watching our Wellington teams test themselves against the best players in their age group and perform to such a high level on the national stage,” Neal said. “These players have all come through our club cricket competitions, and we have seen the hard work and dedication they bring to their sport. To win one tournament was a fantastic effort, but to win both is outstanding and a reflection of the quality of players we have in our region.”

We are incredibly grateful to CODEC for its ongoing support of our women’s pathways and the Wellington Blaze, a partnership that continues to drive growth, opportunity and success for women and girls’ cricket throughout our region.

Wellington U19 Women celebrate their National Tournament victory. Photo: Photosport NZ.

Wellington U17 Women celebrate their National Tournament victory. Photo: Photosport NZ.

Article added: Wednesday 11 February 2026