Northland's all-girls cricket competition is heading back out to the middle this weekend - and they want more players.
A six-weekend stint at the back end of 2017 at the Onerahi Airport Fields proved a great success and has set the tone for what is hoped to be another top season.
Organiser Ben Hyde said the girls really embraced cricket.
"This is the first all-girls cricket competition to run in Northland for a long time, and with the incredible enthusiasm we have seen from all the girls so far we want this to become a permanent grade in our junior competitions," he said.
"We have seen some brilliant skills already and the way in which the girls have picked up the game has been great to watch.
"We would like to thank Northern Districts Cricket for their support with new uniforms for all the teams, along with some prize packs, hats and sponsorship for new playing gear."
The competition involves six-a-side contests made up of two sets of 15 over innings. Batters bat in pairs for five overs, losing three runs each time a wicket falls.
Boundaries are shortened to 30 metres to increase the excitement with free flowing fours and sixes.
All gear is provided for the players with games starting at 9am and finishing by 11:30am.
Hyde said they are looking to expand the competition by adding more age groups.
"To begin with our age bracket was years 5 to 8 and we had kids from Kamo Intermediate, Hurupaki School, Whangarei Intermediate, Kamo Primary, Huanui and Maungakaramea involved," he said.
"We had between 25 and 32 girls coming each weekend. The girls have really enjoyed playing against their peers in a fun, fast, learning environment.
"This time we will expanding the age bracket to years 5 to 10 girls. Northland Cricket would love to see as many new faces as possible so this is the perfect time to give cricket a go and play with your friends."
If you are interested in giving cricket a go please get in touch with Northland Junior Co-ordinator Ben Hyde at benh@northcricket.co.nz.