Women's cricket action at Bay Oval on Sunday

INNOVATIVE: Sam Curtis batting for Sonic against Galaxy in the opening match of the new women's cricket NPL played at Bay Oval last October. PHOTO: FILE

The exciting new concept in women's cricket of the Northern Premier League (NPL) returns to the Bay Oval at Mount Maunganui from 12pm tomorrow with two further games.

Several White Ferns are playing in the four non-regional women's teams competing across six Sundays during the season. A draft has been instituted to ensure that the talent is evenly spread through the four sides.

Cricket manager at Bay of Plenty Cricket, Tai Bridgman-Raison, says "the latest round of the NPL at the Bay Oval is a great lead-in for an exciting women's cricket schedule in the Bay of Plenty over the next couple of months".

"The White Ferns play Australia women in early March at the Bay Oval which will feature some of the best women's players in the world.

"We also have grassroots initiatives such as the local Junior NPL starting early March and the GoGirl introduction programme kicks off again in Term One with the Rainbow Cup Festival Day at the Bay Oval on March 15."

Entering the fourth round of the NPL, the Power has an unbeaten record with three straight victories from Sonic and Velocity with Galaxy tailing the field. The two NPL encounters tomorrow see competition leaders Power squaring off with Velocity and Galaxy meeting Sonic.

Western Bay players Sam Curtis, Kate Anderson, Nensi Patel and Brianna Perry are spread through the four sides. In addition White Fern Anna Peterson, who learned the game while residing in the Western Bay, is also in action.

Two players to keep an eye out for are Velocity's Sara McGlashan, who smashed the competition's top score so far of 98, and Anna Peterson from the Sonic who took 4-8.