WOMEN'S CD DISTRICTS T20 TOURNAMENT

 An exciting new addition to the CD competitions programme this season is an inter-District T20 tournament for women - effectively, our female version of the Chapple Cup

The inaugural tournament will take place in February/March 2025 and be hosted, on CD's behalf, by Cricket Whanganui

Some of the T20 matches - specifically, all the games involving the Nelson Nyxons - will also carry MIKE SHRIMPTON TROPHY points, so that Nelson is able to participate in both competitions this season

That means the T20 tournament has extra spice: it could prove decisive as to who gets to lift the Shrimpton Trophy, as the last matches of the Inter-District summer play out!

Six of CD's eight District Associations will be competing for the inaugural Women's Districts T20 title:

• NELSON

• MARLBOROUGH

• WAIRARAPA

• MANAWATŪ

• TARANAKI

• HAWKE'S BAY

JAMIE WATKINS, CD's Female Pathways and Performance head, says the tournament has been introduced to provide additional playing opportunities for female Districts cricketers in the T20 format - helping bridge the gap between District and CD representative cricket

Marlborough competed on a trial (non points) basis in last summer's MIKE SHRIMPTON TROPHY for the first time, and this summer will compete in the new T20 format only, as the senior women's squad continues to strengthen

"That's a great example of how this new tournament can fit with a need within the Districts," said Watkins.

"It will also create opportunities for players, that they may not otherwise have, to test themselves against the best women from the rest of CD - and hopefully put their hand up for selection in our CD rep teams."

CENTRAL HINDS players will be available to play for their District Association teams at this inaugural tournament, and teams can apply for loan players to boost their overall T20 strength