The McCaw Lewis Northern Maori Women's tour to Rarotonga proved a great success. The team won all 4 games, some younger players showed real potential, and the team were outstanding ambassadors for both Northern Districts and Cook Islands Cricket.

After a competitive game against the Cook Islands Under19 team, the Maori team lifted their performance to account for the Cook Islands women's team in two fixtures. The final fixture against Avana-Turangi club provided batting and bowling opportunities for those who had not featured in those roles in the earlier games.

Experienced players Kerry Tomlinson and Ariana Te Wake played vital roles when most needed. The other 'senior " player,  Katie Johnson,  gave the team a strong start in most innings.

The  youngest team members, Quinn Robinson [Otorohanga College], Taneika Uerata [Papamoa College], and Tayla Hollis [Gisborne GHS] were stand out performers. Jayda Tainui {Epsom GHS] was the most consistent bowler with her left arm medium pace. Shardey Te Kanawa [Tokoroa HS] bowled at a lively pace and showed real progress over the 4 games. Her Tokoroa teammate, Shaylyn Whetu was sharp in the field and showed her ability as a ball striker when she carried the team to the win in a tight situation in the second game. Lucy McHugh [Woodford House] showed all round ability and picked up wickets in every game.

Unfortunately the other selected player, Trena Hunapo-Moetu [Tokoroa HS], broke her leg playing rugby just prior to the tour. She still toured, stayed positive, learned a lot, and played a full part in team activities and promotions. Special mention should be made of Chrissy Hollis, Tayla's mother, who stepped in as a last minute replacement for Trena. She fielded in all 4 games. After a brief coaching session, she bowled for the first time in the final match - impressing everyone, especially her family members, with her ability to bowl a consistent line and length!

Just as important as on field success were off field impressions. A tight knit and happy team were welcome visitors on Rarotonga. Visits to local sponsors, with speeches and songs, were well received and Cook Islands Cricket will benefit from these exchanges. Trips from the accommodation at Edgewater Resort to the games at Turangi on the other side of the island featured a cavalcade of motor cycles flanked by two team vehicles. In full McCaw Lewis sponsored playing uniforms, the team provided a colourful reminder that women play cricket and that cricket has a presence in the Cook Islands. A full two page pictorial spread in the local newspaper reflected the team's impact in its week long visit.

Special thanks from Northern Districts Cricket go to Craig Hollis, who filled a number of team management roles, to the parents on the trip, to coach Kerry Tomlinson, and to Mark Crawford ,who transformed the team into a well drilled fielding unit.

Results

Game 1:

Cook Islands U19 Girls 131/8 [P.Maruariki 58no, T.Hollis 3/14]

Northern Maori 132/4 [K.Tomlinson 58no, T.Hollis 21no, Q.Robinson 17]

Northern Maori won by 6 wickets in the 18th over

Game 2:

Cook Islands Women 100 [B.Matapo 19, I.Willy 30, T.Hollis 3/13, S.Te Kanawa 3/27]

Northern Maori 103/2 [K.Johnson 23, A.Te Wake 46no, S.Whetu 10no]                          

Northern Maori won by 8 wickets in the 19th over

Game 3:

Cook Islands Women 101/7 [P.Kaveao 17, D.Kataina 19no, A.Te Wake 3/17]

Northern Maori 104/1 [K.Johnson 24, Q.Robinson 37no, K.Tomlinson 21no]

Northern Maori won by 9 wickets in the 12th over

Game 4:

Avana-Turangi Women 96 [E.Tangimatua 36no, L.McHugh 2/6, 3 run outs]

Northern Maori 98/2 [T.Uerata 50, J.Tainui 30no]

Northern Maori won by 8 wickets in the 17th over