Brewer Shield cricket 2024-25: The ultimate guide to the clubs and U18s players
The future of women’s cricket is set to kick off a new season of the Brewer Shield. With more than 200 of the state’s best U18 players on show, we preview each club and 40+ stars to watch.
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From Sunday, October 13, the future of women’s cricket in NSW will take to the fields in another season of the under-18s Brewer Shield.
Featuring 14 teams, including sides from Wollongong and Newcastle, the competition includes 15 preliminary rounds before a top six finals series where the winner will be crowned following the grand final on March 16, 2025.
Last season Greater Hunter stormed to the title and will once again take some stopping, but with plenty of new faces and state pathways talent across the board, there promises to be no shortage of surprises.
See how each club shapes up, and meet 40-plus young stars ready for action.
BANKSTOWN
Captain: Ava Gaughan
Coach: Aaron Consunji
Players to watch: New captain Ava Gaughan returns to the Brewer Shield with confidence following a strong finish with the bat last season. A member of the under-15 NSW Metro Academy squad, she also uses her height to deliver a heavy ball.
Another NSW pathways rep, Milla Bruce is a right-arm outswing bowler who delivers serious heat. Competent with the bat, she also adds value to the top order. Among a host of familiar faces, Leearna Harris is a newcomer with loads of potential. Despite limited cricket exposure, the left-arm quick has been the side’s biggest improver throughout the pre-season.
Why they will be competitive: After missing out on the finals last summer, Bankstown will be better for the lessons learnt. Fielding a core of players with second grade and representative experience, the squad has focused on improved communication and will be a serious finals threat if they play from the same page.
Last season finish: 10th
BLACKTOWN MOUNTIES
Captain: Kuhu Nanda
Coach: Aarya Shipurkar
Players to watch: One of several returning for Blacktown’s second season in the competition, Kuhu Nanda steps up as team captain. The passionate 15-year-old all-rounder leads from the front and is a constant source of inspiration. In a breakout performance, Tanishka Reddy took 5/44 with her right-arm mediums to close out the 2023-24 season. Tall and agile in the field, the promising all-rounder continues to develop in the U15 NSW Metro squad.
Keerti Vatul is another in the NSW pathways. A chirpy wicketkeeper, Keerti is excellent behind the stumps to spin and when on song offers a steady flow of runs with the bat.
Why they will be competitive: After finding their feet last season, Blacktown has raised the bar for the club’s second campaign. New coach Aarya Shipurkar has a reputation of being able to extract the best out of her players, and with improved fitness and a more strategic approach, Blacktown are sure to cause their fair share of surprises.
Last season finish: 13th
CAMPBELLTOWN CAMDEN
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Last season finish: 12th
GORDON
Captain: Victoria Marsh
Coach: Quincy Titterton
Players to watch: Diya Sambrane scored 183 runs last season and has returned with a clear intent to lift her strike rate. One to watch with the ball, she is also an off-spinner on the rise. Still on spin, Audrey Kirk is a right-arm leg-spinner also capable of creating middle order havoc with the bat.
When it comes to rep players, the hard hitting Jorja Horan leads the way. A fierce competitor, the NSW Metro star has added strength over the winter and the all-rounder is tipped to be among the quickest bowlers in the Brewer Shield. With excellent technique, Eveline O’Farrell also has the power to ignite from the get-go, and is one to watch in the T20 format.
Why they will be competitive: Gordon paid the price for several narrow losses last summer and return for another shot at the finals with an overall younger squad. That said, the Stags have added batting depth, and with more spin options are well placed to improve on the five wins they recorded in 2023-24.
Last season finish: 11th
GREATER HUNTER
Captain: Felicity Wharton
Coach: Chris Warton
Players to watch: A genuine all-rounder, Felicity Wharton returns to captain the side in the quest for consecutive titles. Capable of opening the batting and bowling, she’s a regular on the NSW Country rep scene.
Molly Dare is another to shine in reps. A strike weapon with the ball, last season she also finished with more than 200 runs in the Brewer Shield. Cosette Thomas is new to this competition, but the up-and-coming middle order specialist and leg-spinner is already in the U16 NSW Country squad.
A broken finger sidelined Lane Jordan for the majority of last season, but the 17-year-old right-armer from Port Macquarie is eager to ramp up the pace. All going well, she’s likely to be promoted to second grade throughout the season.
Why they will be competitive: Greater Hunter field a strong squad, but they’ll have to defend the title without Caoimhe Bray. In last season’s grand final, the 15-year-old blasted a double-century, and this season is poised to take the field in the club’s inaugural second grade side.
On the flip side, eight of the premiership winning squad are due to return. And with most boasting NSW Country championships experience, Greater Hunter have shown in the trials they still have most bases covered.
Last season finish: Premiers
MANLY WARRINGAH
Captain: Arabella Handley
Coach: Bill McLerie
Players to watch: Tearaway fast bowler Arabella Handley heads a lengthy list of NSW rep stars. Also handy with the bat, she’s a chance to feature in second grade as the season unfolds. Matilda Brown displayed good trial form in the top order, and with the new ball her scheming inswing poses a major threat.
Behind the stumps, not much gets past Willa Pearson. A regular in state colours, she doubles as a classy accumulator of runs. Eve Burke brings the all-round class, and despite her skills as a keeper, the right-armer will be Manly’s frontline off-spinner.
Why they will be competitive: Manly were the Cinderella story of last season, coming from nowhere to book a ticket in the grand final. Since then several key players have moved up the grades, but with a host of familiar faces and academy talent, they appear destined to once again feature at pointy end of season.
Last season finish: Runner-up
NORTHERN DISTRICT
Captain: Zara Hepplewhite
Coach: Jess Holmes
Why they will be competitive: After challenging for a spot in last season’s grand final, Northern District has gone full circle in a busy off-season. Now in a rebuild stage, the club is set to field a side with no previous Brewer Shield experience.
Focused on transitioning girls to Premier Cricket, the club is looking forward to making every contributor a better player by the end of the season next March.
Last season finish: 3rd
UTS NORTH SYDNEY
Captain: Varada Vinay
Coaches: Petar Sredojevic and Rob Aitken
Players to watch: One of the top performers with the ball last summer, off-spinner Varada Vinay returns to build on her stunning 23 wickets at 8.0. Improving with the bat, the right-hander is on track for a big season.
Bears vice-captain Samantha Williams adds spark with the bat. The attacking right-hander hit 252 at 31.5 last season, and the Blues junior rep also bowls mediums with clever changes of pace.
Ekmehar Kaur Sidhu returns as wicketkeeper. An indoor state rep, she’s lethal standing up to the stumps and can hit hard at the top of the order.
Why they will be competitive: Once again Norths field a strong mix of up-and-comers. Most have Brewer experience and they have depth in all disciplines. Typically consistent in this space, they can be expected to push for a position in the top four.
Last season finish: 4th
PARRAMATTA
Captain: Kleo Hendry
Coach: Suresh Madala
Players to watch: A leg-spinning all-rounder, Kleo Hendry is a vital cog in the Parra machine and offers a key point of difference with her rapidly developing leadership skills.
Left-arm speedster Georgia Aldridge is in the NSW pathways program and is one to watch with her ability to save runs in the field. She’s joined in the state squad by aggressive all-rounder Sarah Bawcombe, who finished last season with 16 wickets, including a stunning spell of medium pace against Manly that saw the right-armer bag 5/6.
In terms of runs, look no further than Aishleen Gir. Last month she carved up the boys, blasting a half century in an U15 local competition.
Why they will be competitive: Parramatta were among the frontrunners last season until injuries took over. Blessed with plenty of local talent, they’ll need to fill the void left by several star performers who continue to climb the grades. Overall it’s another strong squad, and with a team focus they are expected to once again challenge for a spot in the finals.
Last season finish: 5th
PENRITH
Captain: Teyana La Brooy
Coach: Glen Bradley
Players to watch: An astute leader, Teyana La Brooy returns as captain. Taller and stronger, the right-hander has added power and an extra yard of pace with the ball. Lucy Mellis has arrived from Orange to resume her position behind the stumps, where she held onto three chances in a big win over Blacktown last season. A state runner, Lucy also represented South West at the recent U19 Country Champs.
Fans looking for a surprise packet should look no further than Japleen Kaur. A newcomer to Brewer Shield, the hard hitting right-hander from the Fairfield area is technically correct, and has already kicked off the summer with four half-centuries in her local competition.
Why they will be competitive: Penrith showed glimpses of their best last season, but struggled to field a consistent line-up. With several new recruits and a more settled squad, the Panthers are well placed to climb the ladder.
Last season finish: 9th
SOUTHERN SWANS
Captain: Nicola Hudson
Coaches: Aaron Hudson and Shane Cody
Players to watch:Amelia Valdez leads the charge at the top of the order, and the NSW Country rep bowls handy medium pace and sets the standard in the field. Ebony Winston also offers plenty with bat and ball, and will be out to replicate last season’s impressive 13 wickets at 13.7.
Ella Yates is another familiar face in the Illawarra based line-up. A right arm speedster equipped to take early wickets, she’s also a powerhouse with the willow, and last season hit 252 at 32. Swans captain Nicola Hudson will be a prominent contributor with both bat and ball this season. A strong communicator, she is a positive influence and compliments the team’s strong attack with her off-spin.
Why they will be competitive: After a solid first season last year, the Swans are certainly a finals candidate. Many have represented at the Country Championships this season, and they boast depth across the park. With the core of the team returning, the girls are primed for a big year.
Last season finish: 8th
ST GEORGE-SUTHERLAND
Captains: Sophie Weaver and Beth Millican
Coaches: Brett Campbell and Andrew Millican
Players to watch: A number of Slayers big guns from last season continue to climb the ranks, but the addition of Sophie Weaver from the ACT helps fill the void. A right-arm quick, she has represented at U16 level. In what shapes as a strong attack, U15s state rep April Foulcher will use her height and pace to unsettle the opposition.
All-rounder Beth Millican returns with her left-arm mediums and dash with the bat. While there’s lots to admire about Taylor McMahon. Another NSW regular, she has the strength to dominate with the blade and bowls consistent medium pace.
Why they will be competitive: St George-Sutherland were among the leaders for the majority of last season. Cruelled by injuries, they eventually missed the cut and will be desperate to take the next step this season. The Slayers field a young squad, but there’s enough skill and depth to suggest a spot in the final six is a realistic target.
Last season finish: 7th
SYDNEY
Captain: Hanna Rose
Coach: Con Dimeglio
Players to watch: Last season Olivia Pelly cracked 333 runs and took 13 wicket at 13 to be crowned Sydney’s Brewer Shield player of the year. Strong at the top of the order, she can also take the new ball.
Last season rising all-rounder Zahra de-Wit provided a glimpse of what lies on the horizon. Her economic spells yielded 10 wickets and she scored more than 150 runs. Better for the experience, the U15s NSW Metro rep will continue to develop higher up the order.
In the chase for runs, Elizabeth Coughlin shapes as one to watch. The damaging leftie hits a long ball in the middle order, and will be brimming with confidence after scoring five fifties in the Sixers League Summer Series. Also bowls left-arm swing, and is known to trouble right-handers.
Why they will be competitive: Traditionally a Brewer powerhouse, Sydney will once again be expected to play finals. With key players returning and several match winners on the books, they promise to entertain.
Last season finish: 6th
SYDNEY UNIVERSITY
Captain: Nadia Carvalho
Coach: Daniel Nader
Players to watch: Ruby Carter shot the Brewer lights out last summer. The tall quick returns to spearhead the attack after taking 21 wickets at 12.6. A change in batting style adds strength to her game, and a promotion to vice-captain enhances the team’s prospects.
Sienna Knight is a worthy addition from Randwick Juniors given she has been a long-time member of the Sydney Uni youth program. A new aggressive style with the bat will provide much needed scoring capability to the top order.
Tanisha Shanmuganathan returns to open the batting for another season. Known for using her guile to manipulate the field, she can upset fielders with her speed between wickets. Her unique bowling style will again be implemented tactically to help break partnerships.
Why they will be competitive: With the addition of new players to the group, Sydney Uni expect to be far more competitive across the park. A change in philosophy has addressed strengths and weaknesses, providing an environment more conducive to winning.
Last season finish: 14th
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