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Northern’s Māori Wāhine side has been finalised ahead of the Māori Wāhine National Cricket Tournament, held in Heretaunga from 13th October to the 15th.
5 teams will compete for the Rona McKenzie Taonga in honour of the White Ferns’ first ever Māori captain Rona McKenzie (Ngāti Awa).
This Northern Māori Wāhine team carries top-level experience in the Brave’s Holly Topp and Sam Barriball - with former ND bowler Mereana ‘Meddy’ Hyde linking up with the squad on a player-coach basis.
Topp has been given the captaincy for this Northern Māori team, and will most likely be their keeper throughout the tournament.
She spoke on her excitement ahead of the competition and what the opportunity signified to the players.
“What I am most looking forward to about the tournament is the cricket, obviously, but more so the fact that we will be gathered, connected by whakapapa and a common love for the sport.
“This being the inaugural event makes it even more special to attend. Ngā mihi nui NZC and ND for putting the pathways in place to help us get there. Such a special time for Māori women’s cricket. We just want to make our whānau, past and present, proud.
“Our team aspirations are to come out as wāhine toa, and to make our whānau proud whilst doing it,” adding: “It’s an honour to captain this side.”
Sam Barriball has experienced international honours with the White Ferns, receiving 20 caps in ODIs and 8 in T20is.
She struck 155 runs from 8 innings with a best of 50 in the latest edition of the Women’s Super Smash.
Mereana Hyde’s career began as a youngster in the Canterbury U21 team back in 2012.
She continued to play for the team until 2016, though debuted for the first team in the 2014 Hallyburton Johnstone Shield
She made the move to the Northern Districts ahead of 2017, picking up 11 wickets in her first season there, bowling 11 maidens (3rd best in the tournament) at just 4.33 runs an over.
Hyde hadn’t seen many appearances afterwards for the Brave, though has been playing for Auckland’s Papatoetoe at club level.
She also made 3 appearances for ND’s ‘A’ team in 2023, picking 1-16 (4) vs Hearts A and scoring a lowkey 39 (38) against Hinds A.
Both Topp and Hyde are a part of the NZC Pathway To Performance Female Coaching Programme intake for 2023. Fitting, as Hyde joins the Northern Māori Wāhine coaching unit as an assistant on top of her team manager duties.
They are joined by a fresh blend of pathways players in Dayle Anderson, Kiri Anderson and Elle Archer - who all played for the Māori schoolgirls in 2023.
Quick Kiri Anderson plied her trade in Auckland club level for Papatoetoe, gaining her a call-up to the Auckland U19s in the 2021/22 National Tournament.
Sister Dayle Anderson appeared for the Brave U19s alongside Archer, the pair picking up 4 and 3 wickets respectively.
Bay of Plenty’s Sadie Stewart and Jessica Benge bolster the Northern bowling attack alongside Northland’s Mia Chatterton and Olivia Tremain.
Parnell Cricket Club’s Ella Farrell will likely assume the opening batter role alongside Barriball.
Auckland U17 and Pasifika schoolgirl bowler Zamera Ikiua has already tasted success with ND after claiming first place with the Brave in the 2022 NZ Indoor Cricket Provincial Championships.
Elizabeth-Rose Pengelly Woodhead rounds off the Northern Māori squad, representing Kerikeri Cricket Club.
Head coach Michael Rameka brings experience, with his current role in Charge of Cricket at St Pauls Collegiate in Hamilton. He is also involved in the Māori Schoolboys team. Rameka noted the importance of the tournament:
“A tournament of this nature provides a unique chance for all involved to immerse ourselves in our rich Māori culture. It's a way to reconnect with our heritage and strengthen our identity as Māori.
“The team will be run by a number of quality players, including Holly Topp, a talented wicket-keeper [batter]. Their leadership and expertise will undoubtedly be invaluable in guiding our ND Māori women's cricket team to success in the tournament.
“It's not just about coaching; it's about witnessing the growth and potential of our Māori women cricketers, both on and off the field, and being a part of this historic moment in our sporting history is truly exciting.”
Northern Māori Wāhine squad:
Holly Topp © (Ngāi Tahu), Dayle Anderson (Tainui), Kiri Anderson (Tainui), Elle Archer (Ngāti Māhanga, Tainui), Sam Barriball (Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāi Tūhoe), Jessica Benge (Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi), Mia Chatterton (Te Rarawa), Ella Farrell (Ngāpuhi), Mereana Hyde (Tainui, Ngāpuhi), Zamera Ikiua (Ngāpuhi), Elizabeth-Rose Pengelly Woodhead (Te Aupōuri, Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Hine), Sadie Stewart (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Kuia, Te Āti Awa), Olivia Tremain (Ngāpuhi, Ngātiwai)
Head Coach: Michael Rameka - Ngāti Tūwharetoa
Asst Coach: Mereana Hyde - Tainui, Ngāpuhi
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