My Account
Cricketer, and university student Gisele Naidu, 18, says as a young girl, playing cricket on the Hibiscus Coast had its challenges.
The bowling all-rounder has played since Primary school days, when she was always put in boys’ teams. She says this meant criticism from some of her fellow team members, and also being sidelined often.
When she played for Whangaparāoa College, she had to get special dispensation to play in the boys’ team on cricket zone days.
She persevered and says things improved when she was around 14 years old and able to join district teams (North Harbour and then Western Districts), and then Kumeu Women’s Reserve team.
She now plays for Suburbs New Lynn’s premier women’s team.
At the end of last month, she was selected to captain the first Pasifika School Girls’ team. The team was formed to play a T20 series versus the already established NZ Maori Girls team.
“We didn’t win, but they were our first games together as a team,” Gisele says.
She says creating a Pasifika team was a great initiative.
One thing that made the matches stand out was the strong turnout and support from the players’ families.
“There are not many Pasifika girls players, so it was a chance to show what we can do and grow stronger from here. We hope there will be another tournament next year, and we will play a fun game to finish off the season.”
She says local girls who want to play cricket should definitely give it a go.
“In a lot of sports girls have the same obstacles, but once you find a good team you will be fine,” she says.
Hibiscus Coast Cricket Club manager Gair McSkimming says things are improving for local girls who love cricket.
Currently there are five girls in boys’ teams playing at the club, but next season they hope that a full girls team will be possible.
Gair says the club offers a very supportive environment and encourages girls to play at every opportunity.
“At last November’s Primary School zone day, which the club hosted, there were seven girls’ teams, so having one at Hibiscus is something the club is working hard on,” he says.
