U-15s' talent of the top order

Northern Districts coach Kerry Tomlinson rolls down a few practice balls for team batter Tayla Hollis during round two of the national Under-15 girls tournament at Victoria Park yesterday. Photo/Bevan Conley

There appears to be talent to burn among this season's intake of players competing at the Wanganui Summer festival of Cricket at Victoria Park.

The venue is hosting the national girls Under-15 tournament this week and they have been accompanied by several high-profile mentors, including three women who have played together in the Netherlands national squad.

Esther Lancer, Kerry Tomlinson and Mariska Kornet played for the Netherlands together in internationals over the past few years and have taken time out to pass on their knowledge to the next generation.

Lancer and Tomlinson both played for the Central Districts Hinds before the latter moved back to Northern Districts where she coaches this season's under-15 team. Lancer, the current Wanganui captain, is manager of the Central Districts girls, while Kornet is coaching the Auckland under-15s.

"Mariska was already playing for the Netherlands when Kerry went over and made the team," Lancer said.

"She contacted me and asked if I was interested in coming to Amsterdam - I didn't hesitate. All three of us played together in 2010 and 2011, mainly against international teams rated fifth to 10th in the world.

"Teams like Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Ireland and the West Indies. Mariska is from the Netherlands and still plays for them."

The women all agree the experience was enjoyable and challenging, but they were also enjoying their time with the younger generation this season.

"There's talent to burn here and they just need an opportunity to showcase their talents and this tournament is ideal," Tomlinson said.

"There are some girls who play in the women's grades in their respective regions.

"In fact, I play for the Bay of Plenty women's team with Tayla Hollis (13) who is in my Northern Districts under-15 team at this tournament - there are others, though," she said.

In 2007/2008 Lancer taught at Wanganui High School and played cricket under then Wanganui coach Dilan Raj, who now works for Cricket Wanganui wearing various hats.

"Dilan was a great coach and really knows his stuff, but the extent of my cricket these days is playing in the central league for Wanganui, which I captain.

"We only play about three matches a season, though, because there's only four teams in it. Other than that I'm retired," Lancer said.