Head Coach Craig Cumming has named his first SBS Bank Otago Sparks team to defend their Hallyburton Johnstone Shield. Sparks Debutant Felicity Leydon-Davis has been named Captain and will lead the team north for two matches against Northern Districts in Whangarei this weekend. 

Gemma Adams returns to the side after a knee operation last year resulted in her missing last season with the Sparks. Several key players are missing from the defending champions including both Suzie Bates and Hayley Jensen who are in the WBBL. Young stars Olivia Gain and Paige Loggenburg are with the New Zealand Developmental team in India and Polly Inglis is away for her brothers wedding.  

This means Chloe Deerness gets her opportunity with the Sparks as well as Sophie Gray who will be on the gloves in both matches in Whangarei. 

The Otago Sparks first home match will be on Saturday 26th November against Central Hinds at University Oval, Dunedin. 

Team Announcement

Felicity Leydon-Davis (Captain – Debut for Otago) 

Gemma Adams

Caitlin Blakely 

Emma Black 

Eden Carson 

Chloe Deerness 

Kate Ebrahim 

Sophie Gray (WK) 

Bella James 

Molly Loe 

Sophie Oldershaw 

Saffron Wilson 

Unavailable for selection 

Polly Inglis – Brothers wedding 

Olivia Gain – India 

Paige Loggenburg – India 

Suzie Bates – WBBL 

Hayley Jensen – WBBL 

Article added: Friday 18 November 2022