Margaret Peden Shield: Season guide to the girls’ under-15 youth championships
NSW’s premier under-15 girls representative cricket competition kicks off this week with the Margaret Peden Shield. We’ve taken a look at all the clubs, as well as the players to watch.
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With the likes of 15-year-old Sydney Sixers tearaway Caoimhe Bray already on the big stage, this week’s commencement of the Margaret Peden Shield provides another window into the future of the women’s game.
A regular on the Sydney cricket calendar, the 14-team competition features the top under-15s talent from local associations across the Sydney metropolitan region.
Kicking off with T20 fixtures on Tuesday, December 17, the teams will play a series of T20 and 50-over matches over the course of December and January, with the grand final to be played on January 26.
As part of our season preview we’ve reached out to all of the clubs involved to see how they’re shaping up and who to watch.
BLACKTOWN WARRIORS 15-1
Captain: Tanishka Reddy
Coach: Dilip Kumar
Players to Watch: A top performing all-rounder for Blacktown in the U18s Brewer Shield, Tanishka Reddy is a right-hand opener and state pathways rep. The skipper is rapidly developing her leadership skills.
Another shining light in Brewers, Athira Dilip Kumar is a composed opener with an excellent technique. Also an off-spinner, she represented the U15 NSW All Schools side earlier this year and is known for her variations in pace and turn.
Prarthana Uppil bowls lethal inswing and poses a significant threat. Currently playing U18s for North Sydney, she is also dangerous with the bat and comes off a remarkable 75 against the boys in a local U15 game.
Vice-captain Abigail Whiting is an all-rounder renowned for her fearless batting, powerful hitting, exceptional fielding, and wicketkeeping skills. A complete package, she represents Blacktown in the Brewers competition.
Why they will be competitive: All players bring valuable representative experience from last season’s Peden and U13s Mollie Dive competitions, with nine currently competing in the Brewer Shield. Pre-season training for Peden began in June 2024, ensuring the squad had ample preparation time. With depth across all disciplines, they are expected to perform consistently and contend for a position in the top four.
Last season finish: 7th
Squad list: Abigail Whiting, Tanishka Reddy, Athira Dilip Kumar, Drishna Mangukia, Jasmita Kanteti, Prarthana Uppili, Trisha Yadav, Kashish Sharma, Ria Satyakal, Rania Faisal, Saanvi Shah, Era Bhoir, Gayathri Naik
BLACKTOWN WARRIORS 15-2
Captain: Nivedhita Karna
Coach: Bala Aditya Peripi
Players to watch: Dristi Dubey demonstrates exceptional technique and resilience against the new ball. An off-spinner, she is equally comfortable keeping wickets.
A right-hand batter, Simoli Chavda has an elegant drive and strikes the ball with precision and power. Bowls medium pace.
Sejal Laasya Peripi is handy in the middle order but it’s her deception with the ball that sets her apart. A competent leg-spinner, her googly and flipper continue to confuse even the most skilled batters.
Tvisha Patel bowls with good pace and the opener can shape the ball back into the right-handers. A power hitter, she’s one to watch in the middle order.
Why they will be competitive: Blacktown’s second side is composed of dedicated and skilled players who train rigorously. With a strong focus on both individual and collective improvement, they are well prepared to face any challenges and strive for victory in every match.
Last season finish: No team
Squad list: Nivedhita Karna, Breonna Konidana, Fiza Gupta, Sejal Laasya Peripi, Aarushi Singh, Simoli Chavda, Dristi Dubey, Ridhima Sachdeva, Fatima Ali, Tvisha Patel, Yuvika Soni, Chloe Goraya, Heba Rasul, Charitha Gulla
FAIRFIELD-LIVERPOOL
Captain: Japleen Kaur
Coach: Akshay Shivalkar
Players to watch: Two of several players already performing in the U18s Brewer Shield for Penrith, dashing openers Aleena Syed and Yashika Ramprasad bring power and the ability to force the pace on either side of the wicket.
Captain Japleen Kaur and Pia Shivalkar have combined to shape and guide the squad over the past two seasons. Genuine all-rounders, both are sure to feature among the runs and wickets.
Japleen has already had a season to remember in the Brewer Shield. A regular in Penrith’s top order, she has topped 200 runs at better than 40.
Wicketkeeper Dristi Abhijith Rao and all-rounder Kyra Prajapati were part of the NSW side that recently won the U12 School Sport Championships in Adelaide.
Why they will be competitive: With eight players currently playing Brewer Shield, Fairfield-Liverpool field a strong all-round combination and are ready to improve on last year’s results.
With a work ethic and eagerness second to none, coach Akshay Shivalkar is eager to see how they perform.
Last season finish: 11th
Squad list: Akshadha Uppili, Aleena Syed, Ameera Sodhi, Chantelle Ranjan, Dristi Abhijith Rao, Fiona Ankitkumar Patel, Japleen Kaur, Kyra Prajapati, Nuhaar Kaur, Pia Shivalkar, Piya Sharma, Prabhkirat Kaur Mahal, Sulabha Tripathi, Syeda Hussain, Tanvika Reddy, Yashika Ramprasad, Zahra Dhillon
HORNSBY KU-RING-GAI-AND HILLS DISTRICT
Captain: Janani Vijaya Raghavan
Coach: Zoya Thakur
Players to watch: A Brewer Shield big gun, Janani Vijaya Raghavan opens the batting and bowling for UTS North Sydney. Now in her second season of Peden, the captain likes to lead from the front.
With the gloves Keerti Vatul is reliable behind the stumps, and recently scored a half-ton for Blacktown Brewers. A local junior, Keerti returns for a third season of Peden and also plays alongside Janani in the state pathways.
Emma Simpson-Lee will be called upon to deliver right-arm leggies. And there’s more spin with Aarna Parwal’s offies.
Opponents will need to be on their toes when Eva House is about. Lightning on her feet, she has a golden arm and sets the standard in the field.
Why they will be competitive: With Sydney University first grade all-rounder Zoya Thakur taking over as coach, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai fields a far stronger combination than previous seasons. Traditionally very young in this space, this year the squad includes a mix of experience combined with the future generation of local cricketers.
The girls all get along, and with a strong chemistry a spot in the finals is a realistic goal.
Last season finish: 10th
Squad list: Janani Vijaya Raghavan, Eva House, Keerti Vatul, Eve Bradey, Aarna Parwal, Aarini Mazumdar, Kingkini Mazumdar, Elyssa Bolger, Keya Patel, Shenova Wasalage, Juliet Jennings, Emma Simpson-Lee
MANLY-WARRINGAH BLUE
Captain: Edie Gillett
Coach: Steve Brown
Players to watch: Four members have gained valuable experience in Brewer this season. Including a best of 80, Keira Terrey has been a regular accumulator at the top of the Manly order.
Wicketkeeper Willa Pearson is in the NSW pathways. Highly regarded with the bat, she has scored a mountain of runs at a decent clip for Wakehurst on the local scene and with Manly reps.
With the ball, Matilda Brown and Sonia Punter are two to watch. Matilda shapes the ball into the right-handers and earlier this year instigated wild celebrations with a hat-trick in the Brewer Shield.
Why they will be competitive: Steve Brown returns as coach after a successful Mollie Dive season last year. He is optimistic about this season, noting that the Blue team is shaping up to be highly competitive.
They aim to build on the strong foundation laid by last year’s Peden team, coached by David Ford, who were runners-up in a thrilling grand final against Parramatta.
The squad boasts extensive representative experience, with half of the players entering their second Peden season and the remainder progressing from Mollie Dive (U13) or the U14 rep team. Many players bring additional skills from selected schools teams, the NSW Metro Academy and Brewer Shield.
Last season finish: Runner up
Squad list: Aaleyah Bookless, Matilda Brown, Tait Camburn, Daria Coleman, Ebony Davies, Teaghan Ford, Edie Gillet, Sophie Martin, Izzy Pallister, Willa Pearson, Sonia Punter, Keira Terrey
MANLY-WARRINGAH WARATAHS
Coach: Andrew Melville
Why they will be competitive: Andrew Melville steps into his third season coaching girls’ representative teams, following two championship-winning seasons in the IDCA girls competition. Under his guidance, the Waratah team has been training hard over the past two months, showing steady improvement and strong performances in trial matches.
The team comprises players transitioning from the Mollie Dive and IDCA teams. What sets this team apart is their unity and teamwork. Known for their collegiate approach, Melville says they are a cohesive and resilient squad ready for the challenges ahead.
Last season finish: No team
Squad list: Sarah Davidson, Nina Drury, Jamie Eckford, Matilda Ellis, Sophie Hallett, Trinity McNeil, Regina McNeil, Taliha O’Brien, Tammy Parker, Sally Reardon, Matilda Robinson, Annabel Sinclair, Annie Smith, Niamh Sole, Elodie Spray, Indigo Vale
SOUTH EASTERN
Captain: TBC
Coach: Sophia Mavros
Players to watch: In what is the first time South Eastern will take part in the competition, all-rounder Sienna Knight looms as a key player for the side. An aggressive batter and opening bowler, Knight has in the past been forced to play in other association’s rep teams.
Elsewhere, fast bowler Isla Hamilton has developed into a real threat with the ball in recent times while Chloe Gardner is an exciting young prospect who has impressed in the Mollie Dive (under-13s) competition.
Why they will be competitive: As a new team in the competition, South Eastern is keeping its expectations in check, however there is a sense of pride in creating a slice of history for the division.
“They’ll be keen to play for the local association,” said junior cricket co-ordinator Paul Tait. “It’s just really good to see girls in the local area to play in that competition.”
In addition the appointment of Campbelltown first grade cricketer Sophia Mavros as coach has been instrumental in helping the players build up their skills and prepare for the tournament.
“They’ve had a good pre-season of training under Sophia and she’s got a good handle on the strengths of the girls and how we can be competitive,” said Tait.
Last season: No team
CAMDEN (CDCA)
Coach: Lachlan Saunders
Players to watch: Charlotte Warner opens proceedings with the bat. A Camden junior, she’s also a regular for Campbelltown Camden in the Brewer Shield.
Trushna Hadawle is one of several rising all-rounders. Bats in the top order and has been bowling with the new ball for the Ghosts in the Brewer Shield.
Ruby Carlyon ia hard hitting wicketkeeper with a reputation for getting away to a flying start in the opening overs. The Tahmoor local is also a Brewer rep for Bankstown.Lacey Metcalfe is another on the Bankstown books. Opens the bowling for Bankstown and is among the leading wicket-takers in the Brewer Shield.
Why they will be competitive: After a strong showing last season, Camden return with a strong squad bosting plenty of Brewer Shield experience that has them well placed to once again challenge for a place in the finals.
Last season finish: 4th
Squad list: Ruby Carlyon, Olivia Fitzjohn, Trushna Hadawle, Leearna Harris, Amina Khan, Lacey Metcalfe, Aradhika Sikarwar, Amelia Stucki, Alina Tucker, Charlotte Warner
MORE TEAMS TO COME ...
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