NT Cricket Announce U16 Female Team for National Championships

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.

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.

This year I have been fortunate to participate in the School Sport NT Under 12’s and Desert Rose Cup, so I look forward to another opportunity to develop and enhance my skills at a representative level.

— Ekam Dhillon

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