Young guns of women’s cricket: 57 players to watch in the Brewer Shield
The future of women’s cricket in New South Wales is about to hit the turf for the 2023-24 season. We profile 57 players to watch in the U18 girls Brewer Shield.
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With the pre-season done and dusted, the next generation of female cricket talent is ready to take the next step.
This weekend the Brewer Shield commences for the U18s girls, with the state’s best metro and regional stars taking part in an expanded 14-team competition played at venues throughout Sydney and the surrounding regions.
To welcome the new season, we highlight 57 players to watch in the 2023-24 Brewer Shield.
BANKSTOWN (2022-23, 7th)
AVA GAUGHAN
All-rounder
A rapidly rising all-rounder, Ava will start her first season in the Brewer Shield after representing NSW at last year’s School Sport Australia 12 Years and Under Championships.
Gives the ball a real wack and uses her height to unsettle the opposition with the ball.
JESSICA McMILLAN
Pace bowler
Showed glimpses of class with her pace last season for Campbelltown Camden in the Brewer Shield. Bowls with good shape and is definitely one to watch as the season unfolds.
MILLA BRUCE
All-rounder
Another Bankstown speedster, Milla delivers dangerous outswing with the new ball. Set for her first season in the Brewer Shield, she’s no slouch with the willow either and is expected to contribute from the middle order.
BLACKTOWN MOUNTIES
TORI-ANA NEWCOMB
All-rounder
A tough competitor and inspirational leader, Tori-ana has been rewarded with the captaincy of Blacktown in its inaugural Brewer Shield season.
Recognised as a new ball bowling all-rounder, the right-hander also packs a punch with the bat in the middle order. Last season she hit more than 300 runs in the Parramatta District girls only competition.
VANSHIKA KUMAR
All-rounder
One of several developing all-rounders in the Blacktown squad, Vanshika is one to watch in the top order and as a change bowler with her right-arm seam.
DEVYANI SHARMA
Pace bowler
The right-arm quick will share the opening overs with her skipper. Untested at Brewer level, Devyani could well be a surprise packet as the season unfolds.
KEERTI VATUL
Wicketkeeper
Lively behind the stumps, the 13-year-old has surprised many with her lightening glovework and is now a member of the U15 NSW Metro Academy.
Also bats in the top order, where the right-hander is beginning to developed into a genuine keeping all-rounder.
CAMPBELLTOWN CAMDEN (2022-23 11th)
ADITI SHIDORE
Opening batter
The right-hand opener returns to the Ghosts for another season. With a full season of Brewer Shield now under her belt, she’s looking forward to taking her game to another level.
With a team culture centred around learning and enjoyment, Aditi is relishing the opportunity to advance her skills as a leg spinner.
JESSICA BRAMBLE
All-rounder
A member of the NSW U16 Country squad, Jessica is a talented all-rounder who bowls sharp outswingers and props up the Ghosts’ middle order with the bat.
AMY BISHOP
Top order batter
The top order specialist backs up for another season. A competent right-hander, Amy has been working hard and is expected to be a consistent performer.
In a squad with a diverse mix of talent, Campbelltown-Camden will be missing three players for the opening round with Catherine Diedricks, Bella Stevens and Madison Eddie all in Dubai representing Australia at the Indoor Cricket Junior World Series.
GORDON (2022-23 10th)
DIYA SAMBRANE
Top order batter, pace bowler
A powerful driver of the ball, Diya is a member of the U15 Blues Academy and will be looking to continue her good form at the top of Gordon’s order.
Bowls with consistent pace and is one of the side’s top fielders inside the circle.
ELIZABETH YATES
All-rounder
A bowling all-rounder, Elizabeth will be out to replicate last season’s effort with the ball where her inswing yielded an impressive 16 wickets at 13.9.
Another in the U15 NSW Academy, she bats with intent in the middle order and this year will co-captain the side.
OLIVIA LINFOOT
All-rounder
The other half of the captaincy duo, Olivia’s seam bowling is known for its consistent line and length.
A great communicator, she inspires the team and puts immense value on her wicket when the chips are down.
PHOEBE JOHNSTON
Leg spinner, middle order batter
A country recruit from Orange, Phoebe arrives from the state’s west with a reputation as a talented left-arm leg-spinning all-rounder.
As the side’s only spin option, the U16 Western Blues rep is expected to bring plenty of energy to the middle overs. Aggressive with the bat, her intent to keep the scoreboard ticking makes her a player to watch.
GREATER HUNTER (2022-23 3rd)
CAOIMHE BRAY
All-rounder
One of six Greater Hunter players to represent U16 NSW Country, Caoimhe is an absolute standout with both bat and ball.
Dominated the Brewer competition last season as a 13-year-old taking 23 wickets with her pace, while with the willow, she thrashed 510 runs at 42.5. Capped off an astonishing season with selection in the NSW Country squad that travelled to Perth for the Under 19 Nationals.
FELICITY WHARTON
Pace bowler, top order batter
The right-arm speedster has started the season on fire. Representing Newcastle at the recent state U19 country championships, she rocked Illawarra with a blistering 4/7.
Capable of swinging the ball both ways, Felicity is developing her skills with bat and ball as a member of the NSW U16 Academy squad.
LAURA KNIPE
Wicketkeeper
The lively wicketkeeper enters her second season of Brewer Shield while honing her craft with the NSW U16 Academy squad.
Loves to dive, and will do anything against pace and spin to ensure the byes column remains empty. A power pack in the middle order, Laura is known for her hard hitting ways.
SOPHIE McCRAE
Off-spinner
A product of the Central Coast, Sophie plays locally before heading north for her Brewer fix.
An accurate off-spinner, the 16-year-old mixes up her pace and can be relied upon for delivering plenty of dot balls.
MANLY WARRINGAH (2022-23 8th)
SOPHIE LOWRY
All-rounder
Since making a successful transition from softball, Sophie’s progression with bat and ball has been rapid.
Now in her second season of Brewer Shield, the right-arm quick and hard hitting middle order specialist will skipper the side.
KAYA PUNTER
Leg spinner
Still only 14, this rising leggie affectionately known as “Ricky” had a taste of Brewer Shield and second grade competition last season.
A genuine wicket taker with impeccable control, Kaya is a member of the NSW U15 Academy squad. No slouch with the stick, the punishing right-hander cracked a season best 57 in Brewer last season while batting at No.9.
ARABELLA HANDLEY
Pace bowler
Arabella is a serious speed machine. With a slingy action, the right-armer is no stranger to hurrying her opponents and has been named in the NSW U16 Academy squad.
Handy in the middle order, her all-round skills are complimented by fleet-footed work at both short-cover and mid-wicket.
ANNABELLE CROLL
Another in the NSW U15 Academy squad, Annabelle is a classy keeper who in the early part of the season will juggle cricket with rep soccer commitments.
A decent right-hand bat, she can bowl leggies too and may get a trundle in the 50-over games.
NORTHERN DISTRICT (2022-23 9th)
AANYA SIINGH
All-rounder
With numbers like last season, it’s easy to see why Aanya is a member of the U16 NSW Academy. In a year to remember, the elegant opener’s 579 runs included four half-tons and a best of 127.
And with the ball, the right-armer picked up 18 wickets at 12.3 with her fast-mediums. Still only 14, you could argue she’s already outgrown the competition.
MAKENZIE WHEELER
All-rounder
Arrives from Penrith with a reputation as a right-hand power hitter and dangerous pace bowler who delivers a heavy ball.
Now in her second season of Brewer, the NSW Metro rep will continue to build her game under the guidance of respected Northern District coach, Ron “Tiger” Woods.
MADISON KEDWELL
Pace bowler
Madison is a talented 14-year-old from the Hunter Valley known for slowing the scoring rate with her relentless line and length seamers.
Already in the U16 NSW Country squad, the right-hander continues to work on her batting and is expected to offer excellent value to the side’s middle order.
SOPHIE CLUNE
Wicketkeeper
Another from out of town, this Lake Macquarie wicketkeeper is another recruit with links to the U16 Country squad.
Clinical in all facets of her glovework, Sophie is also a top order strokemaker with a strong foundation built on watertight defence.
UTS NORTH SYDNEY (2022-23 Runner-up)
AURORA MAVROS
All-rounder
An extremely talented fast bowling all-rounder, Aurora arrives at the Bears after a stint with Parramatta. Still only 13, the NSW Pathways rep is one of the quickest bowlers in the competition.
More than handy with the bat, she hits the ball hard and promises to ignite the run rate.
SAM KUNCHAM
All-rounder
Sam is an experienced and immensely talented all-rounder who is part of the NSW Pathways program.
She’s an explosive cricketer capable of taking the game away from the opposition with both bat and ball just as she did in last year’s semi-final victory when she took 4/23 and scored 70.
SHARON JULIEN
Top order batter, leg spinner
Another rising star involved in the state’s pathways program, Sharon is a leg spinner and top order batter. This season shapes as a breakout year following on from her 6/27 against Sydney on debut late last season.
ISABEL SELEMS
All-rounder
Another immensely talented all-rounder, Isabel gives 100 per cent every time she steps onto the field. A dedicated and beloved member of the team, she captured 15 wickets with her right-arm seamers last season, and is expected to have a major impact again this year.
PARRAMATTA (2022-23 5th)
NEHA JOSHUA
Opening batter and bowler
The sky's the limit for this 14-year-old fast bowling all-rounder. Had a taste of Brewer Shield action last season and didn’t disappoint with both bat and ball.
Now a year older, Neha has found an extra yard of pace and is set to excel at the top of the order.
AARNA PATEL
Wicketkeeper, top order batter
A quality gloveman with soft hands and sound footwork, Aarna is backing up for another season.
Not to be underestimated with the bat, she arrives in good form having smashed the boys to all parts with an unbeaten 89 in a recent local association match.
NATALIE WILLIAMS
Leg spinner
Left-arm leggies are pretty rare, especially ones like this 13-year-old who is capable of darting the ball both ways off the wicket.
A positive influence in the field, Natalie loves to talk and is often the first to encourage here teammates.
VANI BHADANA
Opening batter
Near unstoppable at the top of the order, Vani hammered 398 runs at 26.5 last summer including three half centuries.
This season the powerful right-hander promises to be even more dangerous. While she’ll continue to bat with authority, an improved defence is expected to translate to longer stints at the wicket.
PENRITH (2022-23 6th)
ISABELLA BRADLEY-LABRA
Pace bowler
The right-arm speedster works as hard as anyone off the park, and will be out to build on last year’s impressive 17 wickets at 18.7 that included one blistering spell of 5/8.
Still only 15, Isabella will look to add consistency with the ball and improve her skills with the willow in Penrith’s lower order.
TEYANA LA BROOY
All-rounder
A first-change bowler and middle-order batter, Teyana is a genuine all-rounder. At 15, she has shown maturity beyond her years and will form part of the team’s leadership group.
An eager learner who works hard at her game, including her fielding, she sets the standards for others to follow.
KAHLAN MOUWEN
Leg spinner
Kahlan has come through the junior programs at Penrith, and the right-arm leg-spinner is on target for a big season.
With her tail up she’s a genuine wicket taking option, and after a great pre-season she’ll be out to bamboozle the competition’s best.
SIMRAN DHATT
Opening batter
One of the club’s recruits from western NSW, Simran is a classy right-hand opening batter capable of working through the gears before launching an attack late in the innings.
A handy option with her off-spin, “Simmy” is likely to chip in with her fair share of wickets.
SOUTHERN SWANS (2022-23 12th)
ELLA YATES
Pace bowler
A new ball bowler, Ella will look to make early inroads with her consistent outswing. Finished last season in style, taking 3/23 against Northern District and is now a member of the U16 NSW Country squad.
A reliable worker of the ball in the middle order, the right-hander will add fire when the team needs a spark.
AMELIA VALDEZ
Top order batter
A stylish right-hander with a solid technique, Amelia has great hands and plays shots all around the wicket.
Can swing the ball too, and is a solid option mid innings.
NICOLA HUDSON
Top order batter
A quality leader, Nicola will captain the Swans this season in addition to fronting the side’s batting group.
Bowls handy medium pace, and last season took 11 wickets at an impressive 11.7.
KATIE MARTIN
All-rounder
Like many in the squad, Katie also trains with the NSW Academy in the Greater Illawarra region.
Set for her first season of Brewer Shield, the right-hander will bat in the middle order and operate as a change bowler with her medium pace.
ST GEORGE-SUTHERLAND (2022-23, 4th)
SOPHIE CLARK
Pace bowler
The daughter of former Aussie quick Stuart Clark, Sophie is a tall right-armer already making a name for herself in the NSW pathways program.
Last season in the Brewer Shield, her inswingers returned 17 wickets and included an innings crushing 5-1 against Campbelltown.
LUCIA MARTIN
Top order batter/pace bowler
Another junior under the Blues’ radar, Lucia is a rapidly rising all-rounder who doubles as the Slayers captain.
Her right-arm mediums returned 18 wickets at 13.6 last season, and with the bat, she struck 267 runs including a quality knock of 60 from just 72 balls against an impressive Greater Hunter attack.
CADENCE WATERS
Pace bowler/middle order batter
A right-arm quick, Cadence joins the Slayers from Campbelltown where she played a full season of Brewer last season.
Also handy with the bat, the south coast junior is expected to arrive in top form after representing Greater Illawarra at the recent NSW Women’s U19 Country Cricket Championships.
BIANCA LOZELL
Wicketkeeper/middle order batter
Noted for her quality technique behind the stumps, Bianca is a wicketkeeper who is expected to push for second grade honours later in the season.
Offers consistency with the blade too. Can bat anywhere in the order, and last season hit 252 runs at 21.0.
SYDNEY (2022-23, Premiers)
HANNAH ROSE
All-rounder
After a taste of Brewer Shield last season, the tall right-hander will be better for the experience. Bowls accurate medium pace and can force the pace in the middle order.
ELIZA McLEOD
Opening batter, wicketkeeper
The Peden Shield rep is expected to step up to a full season of U18s this season. A reliable scorer at the top of the order, the left-hander will also take the gloves as the side’s keeper.
HAYLEY ZAUCH
Top order batter
One of the more experienced players in the Sydney line-up, the NSW Metro rep will kickstart the innings at the top of the order where she will look to repeat last season’s impressive return of 249 runs at 31.1.
Also a quality keeper, don’t be surprised if she’s seen controlling proceedings at some stage from behind the stumps.
MAGGIE DELANEY
All-rounder
The Sydney captain will be a prominent contributor with both bat and ball this season. After leading the way with 21 wickets at 15.1 last season, she is now expected to feature in the side’s top order.
SYDNEY UNIVERSITY
NADIA CARVALHO
Top order batter
Following an extended absence from Brewer Shield competition, Sydney University return to the fold this season as a stand-alone entity.
With an extended run in second grade for Universities last summer, Nadia heads up a relatively inexperienced outfit at the top of the order. An aggressive right-hander, she’ll lead the charge at the fall of the first wicket.
KRISTY THAPA
Wicketkeeper, middle order batter
An inner west junior, Kristy is a 15-year-old keeper suiting up for her first season of Brewer Shield.
Just as capable with the bat, the right-hander’s all-round game is sure to be a vital cog in the side’s performance.
AMELIA BASSEAL
Pace bowler
A big quick, Amelia is likely to share the new rock where her menacing inswing is expected to cause plenty of headaches.
Another new face to Brewer Shield, the 15-year-old spent last summer playing for Summer Hill in the Sixers Cricket League.
CATHERINE PUIU
All-rounder
Another to come out of the Sixers Cricket League, Catherine’s medium pacers are intertwined with a variety of sneaky change-ups.
Equally creative with the bat, the right-hand top order specialist mixes rock solid defence with a craftiness to rotate the strike.
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