Young guns out to impress

When Wai Aorangi was thrown a cricket bat to play backyard cricket by her cousin, she never dreamed it would one day lead to her playing against a Northern Districts Maori men's side.

The 12-year-old is one of 10 Rotorua youngsters named in the Rotorua Kiwi Maori team to play the Northern Districts Maori men's side in a curtain-raiser for a Twenty20 match between the New Zealand Cricket Players' Association side and the Northern Districts Maori side at Smallbone Park in Rotorua tomorrow.

Wai got her start in cricket almost by accident.

"It was my cousin Tu Whakaiti. He just encouraged me to keep practising at home. Not that I wanted to play. He sort of forced me to play, because he didn't have anyone to play [cricket] against him."

Her cousin's encouragement has equated to a starting position in the playing XI for tomorrow's curtain-raiser - something which shocked the youngster when she was named in the squad.

"I'm not really nervous. I'm just going to try hard and do my best."

The Rotorua Intermediate pupil said she would like to one day represent her country in cricket.

Rotorua Cricket Association development officer Dave Richardson said he has been impressed with Wai and the rest of the team's attitude to cricket.

"I have really enjoyed bringing the team together and seeing the excitement on the players' faces when I have told them about their selection for the Rotorua Kiwi Maori team and what the game is about."

Richardson said the whole team were talented cricketers and it showed the sport had a bright future with youngsters like Wai and team captain Tahu Watson.

Tahu goes to Mokoia Intermediate and has been in dynamic form recently, the right handed all-rounder was instrumental for the Rotorua Year-6 age group cricket team in their win over a Western Bay of Plenty team.

The 11-year-old scored an impressive 36, in a brilliant 81-run partnership to helped lead his side to a historic first win in the annual HRV Cup day last week.

Tahu is in his first year of playing cricket and said he was proud to be leading the team out tomorrow. "It's a great chance. I really like cricket. I hope to be able to one day play for the Black Caps."

Although Tahu is comfortable batting and doing a bit of wicket keeping it's his right arm fast bowling he is hoping will test the Maori team.

"I like bowling fast it would be cool to get a wicket against them."

The youngsters' game gets underway at 11am.

It is followed by the main game at 1.30pm.

Rotorua Kiwi Maori squad: Tahu Watson (captain), Zack Maniapoto, Wai Aorangi, Callum Nairn, Jerico Midwoods, Tu Whakaiti Winsor, Trelyse Lindsay, Cohen Stewart, Montell Graham, Jayme Martin, Chris Narin (coach).