Cricket Wellington is attempt to rebuild its women's cricket to the levels reached during the late-1980s and early-1990s when it regularly vied with Canterbury for top honours in New Zealand.

A women's forum group was formed two years ago with the aim of trying to build the base of numbers playing the game, both at girls' and women's level.

There are signs of developing momentum and Cricket Wellington is keen to rebuild its base of elite team to get them back into their rightful position at, or near the top of the tables in national competitions.

Two recent additions to the TelstraClear White Ferns in Anna Corbin and Frances King from Wellington are a signal of the talent in Wellington.

The Blaze this year are determined to challenge for a finals position in the National State League competition.

A larger squad is training this year, and their will be strong competition for a number of places, a luxury we have not had for a number of years. The team still has a strong base of experienced players in Maia Lewis, King, Corbin, and promising youngsters in Amanda Green and Amanda Cooper.

Several players who have been unavailable in recent seasons due to injury and other commitments have returned to the squad and will bring some valuable experience with them. Although we have lost Anna O'Leary who has retired, she will be ably replaced by the very talented international Fiona Fraser who returns to her home town of Wellington.

In terms of club cricket, there will be a Senior and Senior Reserve and Super 8 Grade. Cricket Wellington are focusing this year on building up the number of club teams, particularly in the new Super 8 Grade.

This may suit individuals or groups of friends, it is a purely social, participation-based grade based around everyone having fun and features the following:

• Eight players per team
• Mid-afternoon start
• Game time about three hours
• Everyone participates in all facets of the game
• Grade winner will win a night out - dinner and drinks for the team

These shorter version, more participation grades have also been introduced at primary school level. Recently a girls-only grade was introduced at Intermediate School level, and with the success of this, two further grades have been introduced, more at a participation, first time playing grades.

These will be:

• Super 8 Intermediate Age Grade
• 16-over innings, soft ball, full participation - batting in pairs and bowling two overs each. This will also be introduced.

Cricket Wellington really want to build on the base of players this year and introduce girls and women to the game to show that participation in this team game is a lot of fun, and with changes in rules, the time commitment is less than the previous requirement.

If you require further information on local clubs, please call Cricket Wellington on (04) 384 3171.

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